Control of Microbial Growth

This set of flashcards focuses on key terms and concepts related to the control of microbial growth, covering methods of sterilization, disinfection, and the nature of various antimicrobial agents.

Sterilization

Complete removal or destruction of all microbes and viruses; used on inanimate objects.

Disinfection

Destroys most microbes on non-living surfaces; mostly achieved through chemical methods.

Antisepsis

Destroys most microbes on living surfaces; mostly involves chemical methods.

Decontamination

Mechanical removal of most microbes from surfaces; used when sterilization isn't required.

Sanitization

Removes microbes and debris from nonliving surfaces, reducing contamination to safe levels.

D-value

Time required to kill 90% of the microbial population.

Prions

Infectious agents causing diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease; highly resistant to control methods.

High-level disinfectants

Will kill endospores and may sterilize.

Moist heat methods

Methods like autoclaving and pasteurization used for microbial control.

Phenols and phenolics

Chemical agents that disrupt cell walls and membranes, effective against vegetative bacteria and fungi.

Alcohols

Effective antiseptics and disinfectants that denature proteins and dissolve lipid membranes.

Surfactants

Amphipathic molecules like soaps that disrupt microbial membranes and aid in mechanical removal.

Ionizing Radiation

Uses gamma rays and X-rays to damage DNA and proteins, used on heat-sensitive materials.

Halogens

Chemical agents like chlorine and iodine that effectively denature proteins and disinfect surfaces.