Moist heat kills microorganisms by
A) irreversible denaturation of proteins.
B) destruction of carbohydrates in the cell wall.
C) denaturation of nucleic acids.
D) dissolving the capsule.
E) destruction of the nuclear envelope.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Moist heat kills microorganisms by irreversibly denaturing their proteins, disrupting the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that maintain their three-dimensional structure. This leads to the loss of their function and ultimately their death. The destruction of carbohydrates in the cell wall, denaturation of nucleic acids, dissolution of the capsule, and destruction of the nuclear envelope are not primary mechanisms by which moist heat kills microorganisms.

Moist Heat Kills Microorganisms by