Ask A Scientist Molecular Biology Archive

name        Emily S.
status       student
age       12

Question -   Does disinfectant kill bacteria and germs, and if so how
does it?  Also, what is the difference between antiseptics and 
disinfectants?
----------------------------------------
Both of these substances are agents that kill, or at least control the growth
of, microbes.  Antiseptics are agents that are used on living tissue such as
alcohol or iodine.  Disinfectants are used on non-living things such as
floors, counter tops, dishes, etc.  They are usually stronger and are too
toxic to be used on living tissue.  A common disinfectant is bleach.  They
have various ways of killing organisms such as interfering with the way they
make their cell walls so they blow up, or prevent them from reproducing
somehow.

vanhoeck
==============================================================