Microbial control methods that kill ______ are able to sterilize.

• A. vegetative cells
• B. fungal spores
• C. endospores
• D. viruses

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sterilization: Sterilization is the process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including the most resistant forms such as endospores.
2. Identify the types of microbial forms listed: vegetative cells, fungal spores, endospores, and viruses. Recognize that vegetative cells and viruses are generally easier to kill than spores.
3. Recall that endospores are highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive harsh conditions, making them the toughest to destroy.
4. Recognize that microbial control methods that can kill endospores are considered capable of sterilization because they eliminate the most resistant microbial form.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'endospores' because only methods that kill endospores can achieve true sterilization.