Final answer:
Autoclaves utilize moist heat to sterilize materials effectively, including surgical equipment, by employing high temperatures at increased pressures to eradicate vegetative cells, viruses, and endospores.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of using moist heat to sterilize or disinfect materials include the use of an autoclave. Autoclaves apply moist heat at elevated pressures to achieve temperatures above the boiling point of water, effectively killing vegetative cells, viruses, and particularly resilient endospores without harming the sterilized items. This method is a staple for sterilizing surgical equipment in both laboratory and clinical settings due to its effectiveness. In contrast, UV radiation, ethylene oxide gas, and dry heat sterilization utilize different mechanisms that are not associated with moist heat.