What instrument is primarily used for heating and sterilizing objects like slides with a flame?

The instrument primarily used for heating and sterilizing objects, such as microscope slides, is the Bunsen burner. This device generates a flame that is used to heat items for quick sterilization, especially in lab settings where it is vital to eliminate microorganisms or contaminants from surfaces before performing experiments or handling samples. The flame produced by the Bunsen burner can reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for efficient sterilization of metal loop, glassware, and other heat-resistant items.

In contrast, an incubator is designed to maintain specific temperatures for growing cultures rather than for direct heating and sterilization. A hot plate provides a stable surface to heat glassware but does not create an open flame, limiting its sterilization capabilities. An autoclave, while effective for sterilization, works by using steam under pressure and is not designed for simple heating applications like a Bunsen burner.