Final answer:
Sterilization is the process used to destroy all pathogens, including tough bacteria and spores. It can be accomplished via physical methods like heat or chemical means with sterilants. Effectiveness can be affected by environmental conditions and organic materials present.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process used to destroy all pathogens, including highly resistant bacteria and spores, is called sterilization. Sterilization can be achieved through physical means such as heat, pressure, filtration, or chemical means using sterilants. These methods ensure that all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant spores, are eliminated. Heat is a common method of sterilization where items are subjected to high temperatures, killing microbes effectively. On the other hand, chemicals like sterilants disrupt proteins, membranes, and other cellular components of bacteria, leading to their destruction.
Environmental conditions and the presence of organic materials can compromise the effectiveness of a disinfecting agent. Therefore, factors such as the length of exposure, type and susceptibility of the microbe, the intensity of the treatment, and potential interferences must be considered when choosing an appropriate microbial control protocol.