Question

The time required for stipulated destruction of a microbial population at a given temperature is ______.

• A. D-value
• B. F-value
• C. z-value
• D. Q\textsubscript{10} value

Hint:

Use this memory aid: D = Decimal reduction (time), F = Full sterilization time, z = Temperature sensitivity, Q\textsubscript{10} = Rate change with 10$^\circ$C.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall key thermal death parameters.
- D-value (Decimal reduction time): Time at a constant temperature to reduce a microbial population by 90% (1 log cycle). - F-value: Total time at a reference temperature (commonly 121.1$^\circ$C) to achieve a desired level of microbial destruction. - z-value: The temperature increase required to reduce the D-value by one log cycle. - Q\textsubscript{10}: Describes the factor by which a reaction rate changes with a 10$^\circ$C rise in temperature.
Step 2: Match the question requirement.
The question asks for the time required to achieve destruction of microbes at a given temperature. This directly corresponds to the D-value.
Step 3: Conclude.
Therefore, the correct answer is the D-value. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{D-value}} \]