Final answer:
Sterilization is the process of destroying all pathogenic organisms including spores. Disinfection inactivates most microbes, but does not kill endospores. Heat, high pressure, and pasteurization are common methods for controlling microbial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of destroying all pathogenic organisms except spores bearing ones is called sterilization. Sterilization is the complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses. It can be achieved through physical means such as high heat or pressure, or by chemical means using sterilants.
Disinfection is another process that inactivates most microbes on the surface of an object, but does not lead to sterilization because endospores tend to survive even when all vegetative cells have been killed. Disinfectants like chlorine bleach or vinegar are used to clean nonliving surfaces.
Heat is a commonly used method for controlling microbial growth. Boiling and autoclaving are effective at killing vegetative cells and some viruses, but less effective at killing endospores. High-pressure processing and pasteurization are also used to control microbial growth.