A) What is Sterilization? b) Outline the various sterilization methods available.

Here are the answers to the questions from the exam paper.

SECTION A

1. a) What is Sterilization?

Sterilization is the process of completely eliminating or destroying all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and especially bacterial spores, from an object or surface. It is an absolute term, meaning an item is either sterile or not sterile.

1. b) Outline the various sterilization methods available.

Sterilization methods can be broadly categorized into physical and chemical methods:

• Physical Methods:
  • Heat Sterilization:
    • Moist Heat (Autoclaving): Uses saturated steam under pressure (e.g., $121^\circ\text{C}$ at $15 \text