Basic microbiology techniques — A/L Biology

A. Sterilization Techniques Definition: Sterilization refers to the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores from equipment, media, or surfaces. Explanation: Sterilization is a fundamental technique in microbiology that ensures all microorganisms are killed or removed to prevent contamination during experiments. It involves various physical and chemical methods that target different types of microbes. Physical methods include heat (moist and dry), filtration, and radiation, while chemical methods involve disinfectants and sterilants. Proper sterilization is crucial for maintaining pure cultures, accurate experimental results, and laboratory safety. Without effective sterilization, unwanted microorganisms could grow in culture media, interfere with experiments, or cause infections. Think of it as: Sterilization is like thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments before an operation - it removes all potential contaminants to ensure a safe and controlled environment.