4 ms·
Viruses have nucleic acids which are shredded by the high temperatures used to sterilise items (121C). Dry heat will inactivate prions, but you need 200C for 4
by danieltillett 11y ago
Viruses have nucleic acids which are shredded by the high temperatures used to sterilise items (121C).
Dry heat will inactivate prions, but you need 200C for 4 hours or more which is more than most plastics can handle.
- hodwik 11y agoThanks. I would mention memes too, but I think 121C would shred their host as well. Edit: Actually, Carl Sagan wrote his memes in metal (and shot them into the universe) so I take that back.
- danieltillett 11y agoYes being autoclaved (this is what the process of sterilising with steam at 121C is called) is not the most pleasant way to die.