Which term describes something that inhibits growth of micro-organisms?

Which term describes something that inhibits growth of micro-organisms?

• A. Antiseptic
• B. Antibiotic
• C. Sterilizer
• D. Disinfectant

Answer: (A)

An antiseptic is a substance applied to living tissue to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. This directly matches the idea of something that slows or stops microbial growth on the body's surfaces, like skin or wounds. Disinfectants are for inanimate surfaces and aim to destroy pathogens on objects, not living tissue. Sterilizers kill all microorganisms and spores, leaving the item completely free of life. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections inside the body, mainly targeting bacteria, and are not general agents applied to living tissue to merely inhibit growth. Some antiseptics can also kill microbes at higher concentrations, but their primary role is to prevent growth on living tissue, which is why antiseptic is the best fit.

An antiseptic is a substance applied to living tissue to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. This directly matches the idea of something that slows or stops microbial growth on the body's surfaces, like skin or wounds.

Disinfectants are for inanimate surfaces and aim to destroy pathogens on objects, not living tissue. Sterilizers kill all microorganisms and spores, leaving the item completely free of life. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections inside the body, mainly targeting bacteria, and are not general agents applied to living tissue to merely inhibit growth. Some antiseptics can also kill microbes at higher concentrations, but their primary role is to prevent growth on living tissue, which is why antiseptic is the best fit.