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Which Control Mechanim(s) Are Physical Mechanisms? Select All Correct Options Pasteurization Degermation Refrigeration Desiccation

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Which control mechanim(s) are physical mechanisms? Select all correct options Pasteurization Degermation Refrigeration Desiccation

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Answer

Degermation, refrigeration, and desiccation are physical control mechanisms.* **Degermation** is the physical removal of microbes from a limited area, such as swabbing skin with alcohol before an injection.* **Refrigeration** uses low temperatures to slow microbial growth and reproduction.* **Desiccation** or drying inhibits growth because metabolism requires liquid water.Pasteurization uses heat, but it's considered a *primarily* chemical control mechanism as the heat alters the chemical structure of key microbial molecules. While it involves a physical factor (temperature), the core mechanism of action is chemical change within the microbes.