Why does putting honey on a cut kill the bacteria within it?

The water potential in bacterial cells is higher than that of the honey, meaning that water leaves the bacterial cells by osmosis. This loss of water denatures the bacterial cells as it stops metabolic reactions taking place.

AH
Answered by Ashleigh H. Biology tutor

4289 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can one remember the function and the anatomy of the cardiac valves?


What is eutrophication?


Describe the polymerase chain reaction


Describe the stages of phagocytosis (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning