Final answer:
Ethylene oxide gas utilizes alkylation to sterilize equipment by modifying the biochemicals within microorganisms, leading to their death. It is an effective method for sterilizing heat-sensitive materials but must be used with caution due to its carcinogenic and explosive nature.
Thus option c) Alkylation. is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethylene oxide gas kills microorganisms by a process called alkylation. As a type of alkylating agent, ethylene oxide is used for gaseous sterilization. It works by reacting with amino (-NHâ‚‚) and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups present in the biochemicals of microorganisms.
These reactions lead to the modification of the microbial DNA and other vital components, resulting in the death of the microorganisms. Ethylene oxide is particularly useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive items because it does not require high temperatures to be effective. However, its use must be carefully managed due to its carcinogenic and explosive properties.
Thus option c) Alkylation. is correct answer.