Moist heat causes_and kills the microbes:

Explanation

Moist heat primarily kills microbes by causing the coagulation or denaturation of proteins. This process disrupts the protein's three-dimensional structure, leading to the loss of their functional shape, which is crucial for microbial survival. The coagulation of proteins results in the inactivation or destruction of essential microbial enzymes and structures, ultimately leading to cell death. Although moist heat can also cause damage to nucleic acids and, in extreme cases, lead to cell lysis, these are secondary effects. Thus, the coagulation of proteins is the most significant mechanism by which moist heat kills microbes.