Headings Radioactivity Search
Questions 
Sterilisation.
Exposure to high intensity g-rays will kill living cells.
The technique is
used in radiotherapy to
kill cancer cells
and in the sterilisation of
food and surgical instruments.
Sterilisation means killing the cells of
pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic means that the microorganisms cause harm
(for example disease or infection).
The use of
g-rays to sterilise food and
surgical instruments
can be done at room temperature.
Food such as fresh fruit and vegetables can be made safe to eat
without heating them which would
damage the food and change its
flavour.
The food will stay fresh for a longer time
because microorganisms are involved in
the decay process.
Killing the microorganisms slows
down the decay of the
food.
Surgical instruments
such as scalpels and clamps
can be made safe after use in
operations.
Headings Radioactivity Search
Questions
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