How does glutaraldehyde work?

How does glutaraldehyde work?

• A. Kill microorganisms by damaging their proteins and nucleic acids
• B. Inhibits cell wall synthesis
• C. Interferes with ribosome function
• D. Disrupts cell membranes only

Answer: (A)

Glutaraldehyde works by acting as a potent alkylating agent, cross-linking proteins and nucleic acids inside microorganisms. It reacts with amino and other reactive groups to form covalent bonds, which irreversibly inactivate essential enzymes and damage genetic material. This disruption of critical cellular functions stops metabolism and replication, leading to cell death. Its broad, non-specific action on fundamental biomolecules explains why it serves as a high-level disinfectant and sterilant for heat-sensitive instruments. It’s not primarily about inhibiting cell wall synthesis, ribosome function, or just disrupting membranes, which is why those mechanisms aren’t the best description of how glutaraldehyde works.

Glutaraldehyde works by acting as a potent alkylating agent, cross-linking proteins and nucleic acids inside microorganisms. It reacts with amino and other reactive groups to form covalent bonds, which irreversibly inactivate essential enzymes and damage genetic material. This disruption of critical cellular functions stops metabolism and replication, leading to cell death. Its broad, non-specific action on fundamental biomolecules explains why it serves as a high-level disinfectant and sterilant for heat-sensitive instruments. It’s not primarily about inhibiting cell wall synthesis, ribosome function, or just disrupting membranes, which is why those mechanisms aren’t the best description of how glutaraldehyde works.