PRCC Microbiology Practice Exam

The correct answer is that alcohol does denature proteins and dissolve lipids. Alcohol, particularly ethanol, interacts with proteins by disrupting the hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions that maintain the protein's three-dimensional structure. This disruption leads to denaturation, causing the protein to unfold and lose its functional shape.

In relation to lipids, alcohol can also effectively solubilize them. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) nature of alcohol allows it to interact with the hydrophilic heads of lipid molecules, while its hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail can engage with the hydrophobic tails of lipids. This dual nature enables alcohol to dissolve various types of lipids, facilitating their removal or extraction in biological systems or during laboratory procedures.

By understanding these properties, it becomes clear why alcohol is often used in both biological and chemical applications, including as a disinfectant and in biochemical assays.