Question

If you were preparing nutrient agar at home and did not have an autoclave, what could you use to sterilize the nutrient agar?

A) oven at 121 degrees for one hour
B) hydrogen peroxide
C) bleach
D) boiling for one hour
E) pressure cooker at 121 degrees for 15 minutes

Answer 1

If you don't have an autoclave, you can sterilize the nutrient agar by boiling it for one hour at 100 degrees Celsius. However, boiling alone may not completely sterilize the nutrient agar.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you were preparing nutrient agar at home and did not have an autoclave, you could use option D) boiling for one hour to sterilize the nutrient agar. Boiling for one hour at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius can effectively kill most microorganisms and spores. This method is commonly used in home canning to kill harmful bacteria, such as C. botulinum. However, it is important to note that boiling alone may not completely sterilize the nutrient agar, as it may not be sufficient to kill certain heat-resistant spores or viruses. Autoclaving is still the most effective method of sterilization, but boiling can be a suitable alternative in a home setting.