Question

Define the following terms with a suitable example in each :
(i) Broad-spectrum antibiotics
(ii) Disinfectants
(iii) Cationic detergents

Answer 1

(i) A broad-spectrum antibiotic is an antibiotic that kills or inhibits the growth of wide range of two major bacterial groups, gram-positive and gram-negative. e.g. – Chloramphenicol / Vancomycin / Ofloxacin
(ii) Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces.e.g. Chlorine
(iii) Cationic detergents have hydrophilic component, but, instead of the anionic sulfonate group, the cationic surfactants have quaternary ammonium as the polar end e.g.Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide