What is the primary characteristic of the dry heat sterilization method?

The primary characteristic of the dry heat sterilization method is that it is effective at killing most commonly encountered microbes. This method relies on high temperatures to destroy microorganisms and their spores, making it a reliable technique for sterilizing tools and materials that can withstand such conditions.

Dry heat sterilization is particularly useful for items that might be damaged by moisture, such as certain powders, oils, or instruments with electronic components. The high temperature causes oxidative damage to microbial cells, leading to their destruction.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary characteristic of dry heat sterilization. While the method is capable of killing heat-resistant microbes, it is not limited to just those organisms. The requirement of a high temperature for a relatively longer duration can apply in various contexts, but the method's efficacy in killing a wide range of microbes is a defining feature. Safety comparisons to moist heat sterilization can be context-dependent, but they do not represent the essential characteristic of dry heat sterilization itself.