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
High temperatures disrupt their enzymes, rendering them incapable of carrying out their cellular functions. Even higher temperatures cause their plasma membrane to burst open, causing the death of the bacterial cells.
Edit: At lower temperatures, their enzymes also get disrupted and crystallisation of their cytoplasm also causes cell death, however, they may have enough time to form spores, toxins, etc. which also get disrupted at high temperatures. So, boiling or UV radiation is generally preferred.
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