Question

Products used to reduce the growth of microbes, but not destroy them are called ____.

1) Antibiotics
2) Disinfectants
3) Antiseptics
4) Preservatives

Answer 1

Products that reduce microbial growth without destroying microbes are called preservatives, as they extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial proliferation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Products used to reduce the growth of microbes, but not destroy them, are called preservatives. Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting their growth. Disinfectants are used to reduce the number of microbes on inanimate surfaces, and are not considered sterile, as some microbes may remain. Antiseptics are similar to disinfectants but are meant for use on living tissues to prevent infection. Both disinfectants and antiseptics, unlike preservatives, can kill microbes, but preservatives specifically aim to prevent microbial growth to extend the shelf life of products.