Q.84 Match items in Group I with sterilization methods in Group II.
| Group I |
|---|
| (P) Ampicillin (Q) 1% glucose in phosphate buffer (R) Plastic syringe (S) Luria broth |
| Group II |
|---|
| (i) 70% alcohol treatment (ii) Autoclaving at 15 psi for 15 min (iii) Autoclaving at 10 psi for 20 min (iv) Membrane filtration (v) γ-ray irradiation |
📘 Introduction
Sterilization is a crucial process in microbiology and biotechnology to eliminate all forms of microbial life. Different materials require different sterilization techniques depending on their heat sensitivity, chemical stability, and physical nature.
In this article, we solve the question “Match items in Group I with sterilization methods in Group II” and explain why each pairing is correct or incorrect, making it useful for NEET, CUET, CSIR-NET, and university exams.
Correct Answer
Option (A)
P-iv, Q-iii, R-v, S-ii
Detailed Explanation of Each Match
(P) Ampicillin → (iv) Membrane Filtration
-
Ampicillin is a heat-sensitive antibiotic.
-
Autoclaving would destroy its chemical structure.
-
Therefore, it is sterilized using membrane filtration, which removes microbes without heat.
✔ Correct match: P-iv
(Q) 1% Glucose in Phosphate Buffer → (iii) Autoclaving at 10 psi for 20 min
-
Sugar solutions can undergo caramelization at high pressure.
-
Hence, they are sterilized at lower pressure (10 psi) for a longer time.
✔ Correct match: Q-iii
(R) Plastic Syringe → (v) γ-Ray Irradiation
-
Plastic syringes cannot withstand high heat.
-
γ-ray irradiation is ideal for disposable medical equipment.
✔ Correct match: R-v
(S) Luria Broth → (ii) Autoclaving at 15 psi for 15 min
-
Luria broth is a nutrient-rich culture medium.
-
It is heat stable and routinely sterilized by standard autoclaving.
✔ Correct match: S-ii
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Option (B): P-iii, Q-iv, R-ii, S-v
-
Ampicillin cannot be autoclaved.
-
Plastic syringes cannot tolerate high pressure.
-
Luria broth does not require γ-irradiation.
❌ Incorrect
Option (C): P-i, Q-ii, R-v, S-iii
-
70% alcohol does not sterilize antibiotics.
-
Sugar solutions should not be autoclaved at 15 psi.
❌ Incorrect
Option (D): P-v, Q-ii, R-iii, S-i
-
γ-irradiation is not used for antibiotics.
-
70% alcohol is not used for culture media sterilization.
❌ Incorrect
Key Takeaway
-
Heat-sensitive substances → Filtration
-
Disposable plastics → γ-irradiation
-
Culture media → Standard autoclaving
-
Sugar solutions → Low-pressure autoclaving
Final Answer
✔ Correct option: (A)
P-iv, Q-iii, R-v, S-ii
