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Strong sunlight has been shown in a small number of studies to have a moderate effect on the kinds of bacteria you are likely to encounter in everyday life.
Ultraviolet radiation is a component of solar light; large organisms have adapted defenses against it through dermatological evolution (thick skin that protects them from damage), but bacteria, though they have cell membranes, are not well-equipped to survive it. UV (like other forms of ionizing radiation), can damage cells and the DNA that they store, but biological repair mechanisms are there to counteract this kind of damage.
In one study strong sunlight was found to have a moderate effect on replication of some bacteria, but that other forms are strongly resistant to it.
It's also a matter of record that strong doses of short-wavelength UV can kill microorganisms, but sunlight's unlikely to have the kind that would be helpful in this context.
Therefore, though exposure to sunlight might decrease the number/slow breeding of bacteria on surfaces/objects, it is no substitute for a strong, scientifically-tested bactericidal agent (like an alcohol rub, antibacterial cleaning sprays), or in a human context, firm vigorous hand-washing.
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∙ 10y ago
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∙ 14y agoBecause bacteria are very specific about the conditions they like and it is hard to find the perfect living conditions for bacteria. To grow bacteria, scientists use what is known as a petri dish which is a shallow, round dish with a tightly fitting lid that has a base of agar, which is a gel made from extracts of red algae, and nutrients which the bacteria thrive upon. Factors such as cold air and sunlight would destory the bacteria because they are extremely sensitive to them.
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∙ 13y agoit depends on how intense (strong) the light is and what temperature it is stable at
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∙ 15y agoSome bacteria, classified as anaerobic, are easily damaged by exposure to oxygen.
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∙ 9y agoyes it can but it depends on the bacteria
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∙ 15y agoFabreeze!
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Why can't all bacteria be killed when exposed to sunlight?
Sunlight is electromagnetic energy. It's like a radio wave, only higher frequency. And a number of different energies are present in sunlight. The higher energies are the ones above the violet end of the spectrum - the ultra-violet (UV) energies. UV light can cause some changes in biochemical substances, and some of these are harmful to living organisms. But the energies present in UV light aren't outright "killers" of bacteria. They can affect the chemistry of a bacteria and kill some of them, but can't really shred the life out of all of them. +++ Exposure to sunlight implies exposure to fresh air too, and the oxygen in the atmosphere will kill or at least slow the multiplication of some bacteria.
Does photosynthetic bateria need sunlight to live?
Photosynthetic bacteria, like plants, are photoautotrophs, meaning they utilize sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce food. These type of bacteria will eventually die without the presence of sunlight.
Does chemosynthetic bacteria need sunlight to grow?
Chemosynthetic bacteria does not require sunlight to live and derives the nutrients from nonfood sources. Examples of chemosynthetic bacteria are lactobacillus and streptococcus.
Do methanol kill bacteria?
Yes, methanol does kill bacteria, especially if it is 70 percent or more, this allows penetration of the cell wall of the organism.
What organ kills bacteria?
The organ that kills bacteria is the stomach. The stomach produces acids that kill the bacteria as it digests food.
Can you use sunlight to kill bacteria?
Yes
Do employers have to heat restrooms?
kill bacteria and germs i the air
Give the example of food preservation?
Pour Salt, kill the air Decrease bacteria Pour Salt, kill the air Decrease bacteria
Why can't all bacteria be killed when exposed to sunlight?
Sunlight is electromagnetic energy. It's like a radio wave, only higher frequency. And a number of different energies are present in sunlight. The higher energies are the ones above the violet end of the spectrum - the ultra-violet (UV) energies. UV light can cause some changes in biochemical substances, and some of these are harmful to living organisms. But the energies present in UV light aren't outright "killers" of bacteria. They can affect the chemistry of a bacteria and kill some of them, but can't really shred the life out of all of them. +++ Exposure to sunlight implies exposure to fresh air too, and the oxygen in the atmosphere will kill or at least slow the multiplication of some bacteria.
Are most bacteria photoautotrophs?
No. They are heterotrophs just as you are. They are not usually green as photoautotrophs. They would not be close to the air to get sunlight.
What kind of drugs can kill bacteria?
The types of drugs that can kill bacteria are called 'antibiotics'.
Does aspirin kill bacteria?
No , aspirin does not kill Bacteria .
What are the bacteria and virus that depend on the sunlight for their survival?
Viruses do not require sunlight for their survival. But certain photosynthetic bacteria such as Cyanobacteria require sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
Does bacteria grow faster in the dark?
Not in all cases. Not all bacteria can harvest sunlight, so to these bacteria light doesn't matter and they will grow equally fast in light or dark assuming there is a equilivalent energy source. For bacteria what can use sunlight there is a definite difference in growth between light and dark cultures.
What can bacteria do that viruses cannot?
Bacteria can attack and kill cells. White blood cells can kill bacteria.
Which get more sunlight plankton or bacteria?
plankton
How do antiseptics work to kill bacteria?
You use them on your hands to kill bacteria. Examples are Hand sanitizers, or soap now how they work to kill them is another question, well they for example inactivate the bacteria remove them make the bacteria "blowup", and they can stop bacteria from growing.
