Sterilization refers to processes that eliminate all life forms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. There are three main methods of sterilization - physical, chemical, and mechanical. Physical sterilization involves heat and can be dry (using an oven) or moist (using an autoclave). Chemical sterilization uses liquids like alcohol or gases like ethylene oxide. Mechanical sterilization filters microbes from heat-sensitive liquids using techniques like membrane filtration.