Static Inhibits the growth of microorganisms. These three labs will demonstrate the control of microorganisms with physical agents, disinfectants and antiseptics, and antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents. Temperatures below the minimum usually have a static action on microorganisms. They inhibit microbial growth by slowing down metabolism but do not necessarily kill the organism. Temperatures above the maximum usually have a cidal action, since they denature microbial enzymes and other proteins.
Temperature is a very common and effective way of controlling microorganisms.
High Temperature Vegetative microorganisms can generally be killed at temperatures from 50C to 70C with moist heat. Bacterial endospores , however, are very resistant to heat and extended exposure to much higher temperature is necessary for their destruction. High temperature may be applied as either moist heat or dry heat. Moist heat Moist heat is generally more effective than dry heat for killing microorganisms because of its ability to penetrate microbial cells. It also may melt lipids in cytoplasmic membranes.