| MadSci Network: Botany |
Chlorine damages cells by releasing free oxygen which combines with cell proteins causing them to denature. Because the hypochlorite ion forms when such compounds as sodium hypochlorite (NaoCl; bleach)contact the organic materials which make up the cell membrane, it is also likely that the lipoprotein structure is disrupted, causing cytoplasm leakage and killing the cell. I hope this helps. Karl J. Roberts, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Prince George's Community College
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