Moist, Dry Heat, and the Autoclave

Moist, Dry Heat, and The Autoclave
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Exercise 1: Moist and Dry Heat
Question 1: Moist heat eradicates microorganisms by coagulation and distortion of enzymes and proteins present in the organisms. Research indicates that moisture impacts proteins’ coagulation temperature and the temperature at which the microorganisms are destroyed. On the flip side, dry heat eliminates microorganisms by causing protein clotting.
Question 2: Yes, some microorganisms are more resistant to others. Microorganisms whose proteins have plenty of disulfides and covalent bonds between sulfur atoms have a high possibility and stability of heat resistance; thermophilic bacteria may thrive in extreme heat.
Question 3: Moist heat has a better performance than dry heat since it penetrates deep into the tissues at constant temperatures. Additionally, moist heat can potentially adjust tissue temperatures and achieve a more vigorous temperature receptor feedback. Moist heat patients also report a considerable relief of symptoms (Polar Products, 2021). The increased blood circulation in the target region by moist heat also increases the recovery process of the patients. Enhanced circulation help in the production of fresh blood and eliminates waste products that can hinder the healing process.
Question 4: Dry heat requires more sterilization time than moist heat since it does not penetrate well. Dry heat has poor heat penetration, resulting in prolonged exposure and high temperatures (Sastri, 2016). Also, dry heat is unsuitable for plastics since they have low thermal transmission characteristics and hardship in ensuring that the entire product is open to get the temperature required for a stipulated duration.
Question 5: Sterilization usually takes less time with high temperatures and a longer time when the temperatures are low. Precise temperatures must be maintained to ensure microbicide’s actions. A temperature of 121°C and 132°C are the two ordinary temperatures for steam sterilizing. To eliminate microorganisms, these two temperatures and another high of 830 must be maintained for a short time.
Exercise 2: The Autoclave
Question 1: Autoclave operates under the principle of moist heat specializa...