What is required to destroy bacteria?

• A. washing hands
• B. a suitable temperature and sufficient time
• C. refrigeration
• D. using soap alone

Answer: (B)

Destroying bacteria hinges on heat being applied at a suitable temperature for a sufficient amount of time. Heat directly kills bacteria by disrupting their proteins and cellular structures, but it needs to reach all parts of the food or surface and be held long enough for the heat to act. Washing hands or surfaces reduces contamination but doesn’t guarantee complete destruction, refrigeration only slows growth and doesn’t kill bacteria, and soap alone cleans without destroying all bacteria present. So the key requirement is heat at the right temperature for enough time to ensure bacteria are destroyed.