Question

Which of the following methods is the simplest heat related method to sterilize metal?

1) Autoclaving
2) Incineration
3) Pasteurization
4) Dry heat sterilization

Answer 1

The simplest heat-related method to sterilize metal is dry heat sterilization, which involves heating metal at high temperatures using an oven or direct flame for sterilizing tools like inoculating loops.

Step-by-step explanation:

The simplest heat related method to sterilize metal is dry heat sterilization. This method includes using a dry-heat sterilizer, like an oven, at temperatures up to 170 °C for at least 2 hours. Although other methods such as autoclaving, incineration, and pasteurization are also used for controlling microbial growth, dry heat sterilization is the simplest for metals, especially when direct flame from incineration is needed for items like inoculating loops.

Autoclaving is the most effective method of sterilization due to moist-heat sterilization, but it is more complex than dry heat. Pasteurization does not achieve sterility but rather reduces the number of spoilage-causing microbes to preserve food quality.