Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

11. Controlling Microbial Growth

Physical Methods to Control Microbial Growth

Microbiology

11. Controlling Microbial Growth

Physical Methods to Control Microbial Growth

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Multiple Choice

How does desiccation control microbial growth?

Desiccation removes all moisture from living cells, inhibiting or killing microbes.

Desiccation drops the temperature so low, that only psychrophiles can survive.

Desiccation utilizes ultra-heated steam to kill pathogenic microbes.

Desiccation incinerates all living cells, killing all microbes.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of desiccation: Desiccation refers to the process of removing moisture from an environment or substance. In microbiology, it is used as a method to control microbial growth by depriving microbes of the water they need to survive and reproduce.

Identify the role of water in microbial life: Microorganisms require water for various cellular processes, including nutrient transport, metabolic reactions, and maintaining cell structure. Without sufficient moisture, these processes cannot occur, leading to the inhibition or death of the microbes.

Analyze the effect of desiccation on different types of microbes: While many microbes cannot survive desiccation, some, like spores and certain extremophiles, may resist drying conditions. However, the majority of pathogenic microbes are unable to withstand prolonged desiccation.

Differentiate desiccation from other microbial control methods: Unlike methods that use heat or chemicals to kill microbes, desiccation primarily works by removing water, which is a less aggressive approach and does not involve high temperatures or incineration.

Evaluate the effectiveness of desiccation in various environments: Consider how desiccation is used in food preservation (e.g., drying fruits and meats) and in laboratory settings to maintain sterile conditions. Its effectiveness can vary based on environmental conditions and the type of microbes present.