Action On Micro-organisms
Moist heat causes destruction of micro-organisms by denaturation of macromolecules, primarily proteins. Destruction of cells by lysis may also play a role. While "sterility" implies the destruction of free-living organisms which may grow within a sample, sterilisation does not necessarily entail destruction of infectious matter. Prions are an example of an infectious agent that can survive sterilisation by moist heat, depending on conditions.
Read more about this topic: Moist Heat Sterilization
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