Microbiology: Moist and Dry Heat

Microbiology
Name
Institution
Course
Date
MICROBIOLOGY
Exercise 1: Moist and dry heat
1. How are microorganisms destroyed by moist heat? By dry heat?
Moldenhauer (2013) notes that dry heat can destroy microorganisms by clotting proteins. At the same time, moist heat uses hot air that is loaded with water vapour. This is where moist heat assist in the process of sterilization.
2. Are some microorganisms more resistant to heat than others? Why?
Yes, but this depends on the type of organism. For instance, Archae is a thermophile that can survive in high temperatures and low PH (Moldenhauer, 2013).
3. Is moist heat more effective than dry heat? Why?
One of the exciting facts about moist heat is that it is more effective than dry heat. This is because moist heat can penetrate a cell better than dry heat. It is also important to note that moist heat destroys microorganisms by denaturing their proteins. At the same time, it melts lipids in cytoplasmic.
4. Why does dry heat require higher temperatures for more extended periods to sterilize than moist heat?
For sterilization to take place, higher temperatures are needed by dry heat. A lack of high temperatures means that penetration will not take place. (Moldenhauer, 2013). Dry heat penetration wants lengthier treatment times compared to moist heat.
5. What is the relationship between time to temperature in heat sterilization? Explain.
With an increase in temperature, less time is required for sterilization. This means that temperature and time are inversely proportional.
Exercise 2: The autoclave
1 Define the principles of sterilization with an autoclave and with a dry heat oven.
Alkadhim (2018) notes that pressurised steam heat is on...