More specifically, does almost boiling water have the same effect? Or is there something particularly special about boiling water that kills germs/bacteria? – if so what is it, and why is it special?
In: Chemistry
Heat causes protiens and nucleic acids to unfold (denature) by breaking their hydrogen bonds that hold them in a certain configuration. The protein unravels and can no longer serve its purpose (enzymes no longer work for example).
Heat can kill viruses as well. Some microbes (Botulism in spores) are much more resistant to heat and can survive some exposure to high tempreatures.
Latest Answers