Final answer:
Sterilization is the term for the destruction of all disease-producing microorganisms or a reduction in the number of spoilage microorganisms. It is necessary for medical applications and in the food industry where endospores of Clostridium botulinum are killed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sterilization is the term for the destruction of all disease-producing microorganisms or a reduction in the number of spoilage microorganisms. It is necessary for medical applications and in the food industry where endospores of Clostridium botulinum are killed. Sterilization can be achieved through physical methods like exposure to high heat or pressure, or through chemical means using sterilants.