what is the most heat resistant microorganism and how high a temperature would be required to kill it

Some bacteria can become dormant as something known as an endospore, and can later become reactivated. These have been known to survive thousands of years. They are resistant to extremes of heat, freezing, radiation, dessiccation, many chemicals, and other extremely harsh conditions.

 

To kill them, autoclaving at temperatures over 100 C for many hours can work, as well as treating with alkylating agents.

Bacteria of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium form endospores.

Requires hours of autoclaving to destroy?

 

How about Methanopyrus kandlari, which actually grows in an autoclave. Yup, grows in 121 C water. Native to deep sea thermal vents.

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Edited September 9, 201015 yr by Rip:20