Why is autoclaving considered more effective than boiling for sterilizing microbiology equipment and media?

• A. Boiling is faster and can kill all microorganisms, including endospores.
• B. Autoclaving only removes dirt and debris but does not kill microorganisms.
• C. Autoclaving uses pressurized steam at higher temperatures, which destroys endospores and all forms of microbial life.
• D. Boiling and autoclaving are equally effective because both use water as the sterilizing agent.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between boiling and autoclaving in terms of temperature and pressure conditions.
2. Recall that boiling occurs at 100°C at atmospheric pressure, which is sufficient to kill most vegetative cells but not all microbial forms, especially resistant endospores.
3. Recognize that autoclaving uses pressurized steam, typically at 121°C and 15 psi pressure, which raises the boiling point of water and allows higher temperatures to be reached.
4. Know that the higher temperature and pressure in autoclaving effectively destroy all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant endospores, making it a true sterilization method.
5. Conclude that autoclaving is more effective than boiling because it achieves sterilization by killing all microorganisms, whereas boiling may not eliminate endospores.