What is the minimum temperature required for dry heat sterilization?

The minimum temperature required for dry heat sterilization is 320°F (160°C). This temperature is crucial because dry heat sterilization relies on the oxidation of microbial cell components and the destruction of bacterial spores, which requires higher temperatures than moist heat methods.

In dry heat sterilization, items are typically exposed to this temperature for a specific duration to ensure effective sterilization. The heat penetrates materials like glass and metal, enabling it to destroy resistant microorganisms.

Lower temperatures, such as those indicated in the other options, may be insufficient to achieve the desired sterilization effect. Therefore, the correct temperature of 320°F (160°C) ensures that the exposure is high enough to effectively kill all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which are notoriously difficult to eliminate.