Why should thioglycollate broth be boiled for 10 minutes before use?

Thioglycollate broth is designed to create a reducing environment that promotes the growth of anaerobic organisms while inhibiting the growth of aerobes. Boiling the broth for 10 minutes serves a crucial purpose: it helps to drive off dissolved oxygen. When the medium is boiled, it creates a vacuum effect that removes oxygen, rendering the broth suitable for cultivating anaerobic bacteria.

By eliminating the oxygen, the broth allows anaerobic microorganisms to thrive, as they require environments devoid of oxygen to grow. This process is essential in ensuring that the medium is truly anaerobic before inoculation occurs. It also prevents any unwanted oxidative reactions that might affect the growth of the target microorganisms.

The other choices do not align with the purpose of boiling thioglycollate broth. Driving off hydrogen isn't relevant in this context, nor does thioglycollate require activation or deactivation since it functions as a reducing agent once its environment is prepared properly.