A group of scientists is studying microbial survival in aerosols under different environmental conditions. They expose a bioaerosol containing Gram-negative bacteria to various humidity levels and observe rapid inactivation at high relative humidity (80%). What is the MOST LIKELY explanation for this observation?

Question

A group of scientists is studying microbial survival in aerosols under different environmental conditions. They expose a bioaerosol containing Gram-negative bacteria to various humidity levels and observe rapid inactivation at high relative humidity (>80%). What is the MOST LIKELY explanation for this observation?

Answer

High humidity prevents DNA repair mechanisms from functioning properly.

Answer

High humidity dehydrates bacterial cells, causing loss of viability.

Answer

High humidity increases UV radiation penetration, accelerating DNA damage.

Answer

Gram-negative bacteria are more susceptible to membrane damage due to changes in lipid bilayer structure at high humidity.

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A group of scientists is studying microbial survival in aerosols under different...

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