How does alcohol (Ethanol and Propanol) lyse cells?

[Elite Engineer]

is it because of the short alkyl chain on the alcohols that allow it to wedge into the cell membrane, thereby causing dissolution?

[hypervalent_iodine]

I did quick Google search and came across this paper. It was published in 1985, but seems to be supported by other literature examples.

[CharonY]

Also note that it is not a very efficient method of lysis.

[bimasuryaw]

alchohol high responsive acid if it is give elektron to other ether. and make alchohol become carbonil. alcohol will react with double-layer phosfolipids as cells membran.

it because, alchohol will oxidate and become carbonile. it will happen easier if alchohol react with 4-phosphat molecule in cell membran