Define sterilization and disinfection; provide one method for each.

• A. Sterilization reduces microbial burden; disinfection eliminates all life
• B. Sterilization uses chemical methods only; disinfection uses heat
• C. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life (autoclaving); disinfection reduces microbial burden (chemical disinfectants)
• D. Sterilization is unnecessary in labs; disinfection uses UV only

Answer: (C)

Understanding sterilization versus disinfection: Sterilization means destroying all forms of microbial life on an object, including endospores. A common method is autoclaving, which uses moist heat under pressure to achieve complete sterilization.

Disinfection lowers the number of viable microbes on inanimate surfaces but does not guarantee all life is gone. A typical method is applying chemical disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or alcohols, to reduce microbial burden to safer levels.

This option is the best because it accurately defines both terms and provides a standard method for each. Some statements in the other options are misleading, for example claiming sterilization is chemical-only or that disinfection uses heat or UV only, or suggesting sterilization isn’t needed in labs.