Answer:
Option C, To reduce number of bacteria from previous streaked area going into new streaked area
Step-by-step explanation:
A loop is sterilized by flaming the loop in between streaks. A streak plate method is used to isolate discrete bacterial colonies so that the number of organisms in the inoculums is reduced. During the procedure, microorganism get deposited in the initial region. This would cause growth of culture across the streaked area and hence the loop is sterilized.
In order to sterilize the loop, it is kept between the blue flame of the Bunsen burner after every section so that the number of depositing microorganism reduces.
Hence, option C is correct