A bacterium shrinks in a hypertonic solution because of:

A. Allosteric inhibition: Allosteric inhibition occurs when a molecule binds to a site other than the enzyme’s active site (the allosteric site), causing a conformational change that reduces enzyme activity. It does not involve direct competition between similar substrates for the active site.

B. Competitive inhibition: Competitive inhibition occurs when two molecules that are similar in shape and size compete for binding at the enzyme’s active site. One molecule (the inhibitor) can occupy the active site, preventing the other substrate from binding. This type of inhibition can often be overcome by increasing the concentration of the actual substrate.

C. Active inhibition: “Active inhibition” is not a standard term in enzymology. It does not specifically describe the process in which molecules compete for the same active site and therefore does not accurately represent the scenario described.

D. Noncompetitive inhibition: Noncompetitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a site other than the active site, changing the enzyme’s shape and reducing its activity regardless of substrate concentration. Unlike competitive inhibition, the inhibitor does not compete with the substrate for the active site.

A. antisepsis: Antisepsis refers to the application of chemical agents, known as antiseptics, directly to living tissues to destroy or inhibit the growth of vegetative pathogens. Common antiseptics include alcohols, iodine preparations, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide. These agents are widely used before injections, surgical procedures, and wound care to reduce microbial load and prevent infection.

B. sanitization: Sanitization involves reducing the number of microorganisms on inanimate objects to levels considered safe according to public health standards. This process is commonly used in food preparation areas, restaurants, and public facilities. It does not necessarily destroy all vegetative pathogens and is not intended for use on living tissues.

C. sterilization: Sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, viruses, fungi, and vegetative cells. Methods such as autoclaving, dry heat, radiation, and certain chemical sterilants are used for medical instruments and laboratory materials. Sterilization methods are extremely harsh and are not applied to living tissues.

D. disinfection: Disinfection involves the use of chemical or physical agents to destroy vegetative pathogens on inanimate objects such as medical equipment, countertops, and hospital surfaces. While effective against many microorganisms, disinfectants are typically too toxic or irritating to be used safely on living tissues.

E. degermation: Degermation refers to the mechanical removal of microorganisms from a limited area, usually through physical actions such as scrubbing or washing. While it reduces microbial numbers, it primarily involves mechanical removal rather than the direct chemical destruction of pathogens.