Final answer:
Chlorhexidine has two effects on bacterial cells: it disrupts cell membranes and congeals the cytoplasmic contents, leading to cell death. This bisbiguanide antiseptic is commonly used in medical settings as a surgical scrub and handwash, and as a topical antiseptic for patients before surgery or needle injection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorhexidine, a bisbiguanide antiseptic, has two effects on bacterial cells. First, it disrupts the cell membranes, which can lead to cell death. Second, it can congeal the cytoplasmic contents of the cells, inhibiting their function. Chlorhexidine is commonly used as a surgical scrub, for handwashing in clinical settings, and as a topical antiseptic for patients before surgery or needle injection.