Question

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

Answer 1

Answer:

(i) Broad- spectrum antibiotics are those which kill or inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Example- Chloramphenicol (or any other)

(ii) Disinfectants are the chemicals which either kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms when applied to inanimate objects such as floors, drainage system, instruments, etc.

Example – 1% Phenol solution (or any other)

(iii) Cationic detergents are quarternary ammonium salts of amines with acetates, chlorides or bromides as anions where Cationic part is involved in cleansing action.

Example – Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (or any other)

Answer 2

Answer:

• broad-spectrum antibiotic (plural broad-spectrum antibiotics) (pharmacology) Any antibiotic that is active against a wide range of bacteria, especially against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. ex.Aminoglycosides (except for streptomycin) Ampicillin. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin) Carbapenems (e.g. imipenem)
• Common disinfectants include alcohols, quarternary ammonium salts, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, bleach, chloramine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, silver dihydrogen citrate, and thymol. One non-chemical disinfectant is UV light.
• Cationic detergents: Cationic detergents are quarternary ammonium salts of amines with acetates, chlorides or bromides as anions. Cationic part possess a long hydrocarbon chain and a positive charge on nitrogen atom. Hence, these are called cationic detergents. For example cetyltrimethylammonium bromide .