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Biology
Posted 10 months ago
contrast the terms sterilization/pasteurization/disinfection/sanitization
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Answer from Sia
Posted 10 months ago
Answer
Sterilization is the process of eliminating all forms of life, including bacterial spores, from an object or environment. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that kills most bacteria but does not sterilize. Disinfection is the elimination of most pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. Sanitization is the process of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level as judged by public health standards.
Solution
a
Sterilization: This is a process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Common methods include autoclaving, dry heat, and chemical sterilants
b
Pasteurization: This technique uses heat to kill most bacteria present, but it does not kill all microorganisms or spores. It is commonly used for food products like milk and juice to extend shelf life and reduce the risk of disease
c
Disinfection: This refers to the use of chemical agents, UV light, or boiling water to eliminate most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or in liquids. It does not ensure the elimination of all spores
d
Sanitization: This process reduces the number of microorganisms to a level considered safe by public health standards. It is often achieved through a combination of cleaning and disinfecting
Key Concept
The key concept is understanding the different levels of microbial control: sterilization is the most extreme, followed by pasteurization, disinfection, and sanitization, each with decreasing levels of microbial elimination.
Explanation
Sterilization aims for complete eradication of all microbial life, while pasteurization targets reducing pathogenic organisms to safe levels without sterilization. Disinfection aims to eliminate many or all pathogenic organisms, except spores, and sanitization reduces microbial counts to safe levels without targeting specific organisms.

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