Which Temperature is Lethal to Any Mesophile

Question

Which temperature is lethal to any mesophile?
A) its optimum growth temperature
B) its minimum growth temperature
C) its maximum growth temperature
D) refrigeration temperature
E) autoclave temperature

Accepted Answer

Autoclave temperature, typically around 121°C (250°F) under pressure, is lethal to mesophiles (and most other forms of life) because it denatures proteins, disrupts cell membranes, and effectively kills the organism. Mesophiles are organisms that thrive at moderate temperatures, usually between 20°C and 45°C, and cannot withstand the extreme heat of an autoclave.