Sterilization and Disinfection deals with the methods used to eliminate or control microorganisms to prevent infection and disease transmission. This topic is essential for understanding infection control, public health safety, and clinical microbiology, and is designed for Class 11–12 students, NEET aspirants, and undergraduate learners.
In this section, you will study:
Concept and importance of sterilization and disinfection
Differences between sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis
Physical methods of sterilization
Chemical methods of disinfection
Factors affecting the effectiveness of sterilization
Applications in hospitals, laboratories, and daily life
Advantages and limitations of various sterilization techniques
NCERT-based explanations, diagrams, MCQs, and exam-oriented questions
The content is structured to build conceptual clarity, enhance comparative understanding, and help students perform confidently in school examinations, NEET, and undergraduate assessments.
Develop a strong understanding of sterilization and disinfection principles to ensure safety, hygiene, and infection control in real-world biological and medical settings.
Q. What is the main difference between sterilization and disinfection?
A.
Sterilization kills all microbes; disinfection reduces them
B.
Disinfection kills all microbes; sterilization reduces them
C.
Sterilization is faster than disinfection
D.
Disinfection is only for surfaces, sterilization is for instruments
Solution
Sterilization kills all microbes, while disinfection reduces the number of viable microorganisms.
Correct Answer:
A
— Sterilization kills all microbes; disinfection reduces them
