Compare autoclave sterilization with dry heat sterilization.

• A. Autoclave uses moist heat under high pressure for rapid sterilization; dry heat requires higher temperatures and longer exposure and is less efficient.
• B. Autoclave uses dry heat; dry heat uses moist heat.
• C. Autoclave sterilizes only liquids; dry heat sterilizes solids only.
• D. Autoclave is ineffective against spores; dry heat kills spores quickly.

Answer: (A)

Moist heat under pressure in an autoclave rapidly denatures proteins and disrupts cellular structures because steam penetrates materials well and, under pressure, reaches higher temperatures than boiling water. That combination speeds up sterilization and is effective against spores when the cycle is properly run. Dry heat sterilization, on the other hand, relies on hot air without moisture; without water to transfer heat efficiently, it takes much longer and requires higher temperatures, making the process less efficient overall. So autoclaving is fast and reliable for sterilizing a wide range of materials, while dry heat is slower and is used in situations where moisture cannot be used.