Identify one common method of sterilization used in laboratories.

Autoclaving is a widely utilized method for sterilization in laboratories. This process employs high-pressure steam at a temperature of approximately 121 degrees Celsius to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. The effectiveness of autoclaving is particularly significant because it ensures that even the most resistant microorganisms are destroyed through both the heat and moist environment.

The application of autoclaving is crucial in laboratory settings where sterile conditions are necessary for experiments, especially in biomedical and microbiological work, where contamination can compromise results and safety. By using this method, laboratories can ensure that instruments, media, and other materials are free from potential pathogens or contaminants.

In contrast, chemical soaking may only reduce microbial presence and might not achieve true sterilization. Cold storage can inhibit microbial growth but does not truly sterilize materials. Air drying does not remove microorganisms; it simply removes moisture, which some microorganisms could survive. Thus, autoclaving stands out as the most effective method among the options listed for achieving thorough and reliable sterilization in laboratory environments.