Which of the following statements best describes the effect of autoclaving on bacterial endospores?

• A. Autoclaving has no effect on bacterial endospores.
• B. Autoclaving promotes the germination of endospores.
• C. Autoclaving effectively kills bacterial endospores.
• D. Autoclaving only inhibits the growth of endospores but does not kill them.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what autoclaving is — it is a sterilization method that uses pressurized steam at high temperatures, typically around 121°C, for a specific time to kill microorganisms.
2. Step 2: Recognize that bacterial endospores are highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive harsh conditions, including heat, desiccation, and chemicals.
3. Step 3: Recall that autoclaving is designed to destroy all forms of microbial life, including the highly resistant bacterial endospores, by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular structures.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given statements by comparing them to the known effect of autoclaving: it does not merely inhibit growth or promote germination, but effectively kills endospores.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'Autoclaving effectively kills bacterial endospores' best describes the effect of autoclaving on bacterial endospores.