When microbial control methods are used, microbes are destroyed at a constant rate; there is no instantaneous death of all the microbes present. That microbial death rate is influenced by all of the following factors EXCEPT __________.

protein denaturation: chemical and physical agents are capable of eliminating the protein's functional capacity by disrupting its tertiary structure;
membrane or cell wall disruption: the ability of some substances to modify the physical and chemical properties of the membrane, impairing its function, destroying or inhibiting bacterial growth;
removal of free sulfhydryl groups: oxidizing agents and heavy metals interfere with cellular metabolism;
Chemical antagonism: Occurs when a chemical affinity antagonist combines with an enzyme of a particular microorganism, preventing the development of the appropriate reaction.

The toxins produced by microbes do not influence the microbial mortality rate, but have a strong influence on the status of an infection.