Final answer:
Ethylene oxide is a sterilant that can be used on heat-sensitive materials and is capable of penetrating plastic wraps to sterilize medical equipment, although it is carcinogenic and explosive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical method considered as a sterilant, and is used on heat-sensitive objects, has the ability to penetrate plastic wraps and combines with cell proteins, is Ethylene oxide (Option A). Ethylene oxide serves as an alkylating agent that can safely sterilize items within plastic bags or wrappings, such as catheters and other disposable medical tools that cannot withstand high heat. As a gaseous sterilant, ethylene oxide is highly effective, especially in medical settings, because of its ability to sterilize packaged materials without damaging the items themselves. However, handling ethylene oxide requires caution due to its carcinogenic and explosive properties, necessitating proper aeration after sterilization to ensure safety.