Question Detail
Question
What is the primary mechanism by which UV-C light kills microorganisms?
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
UV-C light primarily kills microorganisms by causing damage to their nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It induces the formation of pyrimidine dimers (e.g., thymine dimers) which interfere with DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death.
Hint
Think about the wavelength of UV-C light and its known effects on biological molecules within a cell.