What is the primary function of an autoclave?

• A. To cool substances rapidly.
• B. To dry heat sterilize at ambient pressure.
• C. A device for heating substances above their boiling point.
• D. To measure pH of solutions.

Answer: (C)

An autoclave sterilizes by using steam under high pressure to reach temperatures above the normal boiling point. By pressurizing moist heat, it can achieve around 121°C, which is hot enough to denature proteins and kill all microorganisms, including spores. This combination of moist heat and pressure is what makes autoclaving a reliable sterilization method for instruments, media, and other materials. It isn’t about cooling substances, nor about dry-heat sterilization at ambient pressure, and it isn’t used for measuring pH.