Final answer:
Formaldehyde is commonly used to inactivate microbes. It works by methylating enzymes and nucleic acids, making it a strong disinfectant and biocide. Formaldehyde is used for various purposes, from the storage of tissue specimens to embalming and sterilizing soil or materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substance commonly used to inactivate microbes is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a strong disinfectant and biocide that can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and endospores. It works by methylating enzymes and nucleic acids. Formaldehyde is used in a variety of applications, such as the storage of tissue specimens, embalming, and sterilizing soil or other materials.