Moist Heat Kills Microorganisms By

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Moist heat kills microorganisms by irreversibly coagulating (i.e., denaturing) their proteins. This causes the microorganisms to lose their structural integrity and ability to perform basic metabolic functions, ultimately resulting in their death. Carbohydrates in the cell wall and the capsule are not directly affected by heat, and denaturation of nucleic acids is more commonly associated with the effects of radiation or certain chemicals.