A chemical to kill germs and preserve laboratory specimens Crossword Clue

The crossword clue "A chemical to kill germs and preserve laboratory specimens" with the answer "FORMALDEHYDE" refers to a widely used chemical in both laboratory and medical contexts. Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is commonly used in aqueous solution, known as formalin, to preserve biological specimens and tissues. It acts as a disinfectant and preservative by cross-linking proteins, which prevents decay and maintains the structural integrity of specimens.

Due to its effectiveness in preserving and sterilizing, formaldehyde is essential in various applications, including medical research and pathology. However, it is also known to be a health hazard, so its use is carefully regulated.

The crossword clue "A chemical to kill germs and preserve laboratory specimens" with the answer "ALCOHOL" refers to ethanol or isopropanol, commonly used in laboratories for disinfection and preservation. Alcohol is effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms due to its ability to denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes.

In laboratory settings, alcohol is often used to sterilize equipment and surfaces, as well as to preserve specimens by preventing microbial growth. However, while alcohol is a useful disinfectant and preservative, it is typically not used alone for long-term specimen preservation compared to chemicals like formaldehyde, which provide more effective long-term stabilization.

The crossword clue "A chemical to kill germs and preserve laboratory specimens" with the answer "GLUTARALDEHYDE" refers to a potent chemical used extensively in medical and laboratory settings for its strong antimicrobial properties. Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid that effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi by cross-linking proteins and other cellular components, which disrupts their function and integrity.

This makes it highly effective for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and for preserving biological specimens. Unlike alcohol, glutaraldehyde provides more thorough and long-lasting preservation, making it ideal for use in environments where high-level disinfection and specimen preservation are critical.

The crossword clue "A chemical to kill germs and preserve laboratory specimens" with the answer "PHENOL" refers to a compound historically used for its disinfectant and preservative properties. Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, was one of the earliest antiseptics employed in medical settings and laboratories. It works by disrupting the cell walls of microorganisms and denaturing proteins, which effectively kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

In laboratory settings, phenol is used for the preservation of specimens and in various applications due to its ability to prevent microbial growth. While its use has decreased with the development of more effective and less hazardous chemicals, phenol remains a significant historical antiseptic and preservative.