Question

The antimicrobial action of phenolic compounds is due to

• A. Leakage of intracellular constituents
• B. Disruption of cells and inactivation of enzymes
• C. Damage of membrane structure
• D. Both A and C

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Both A and C

Phenolic compounds damage the proteinaceous structures of the microbial membrane causing damage. This leads to the leakage of the intracellular constituents to the outside of the cell due to the perforation of the membrane. Thus, the correct answer is option D.