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antimicrobial agent an agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth. These agents are classified according to the manner in which they act on microorganisms. One group interferes with synthesis of the cell wall and causes it to rupture. A second group interferes with synthesis of DNA and RNA so that microorganisms cannot replicate or translate genetic information. A third group changes the permeability of the cell membrane so that metabolic substances leak out that are essential to the life of the microorganism. A fourth group interferes with metabolic processes inside the cell that are necessary for the life of the cell.
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