Exposure to low-intensity gamma radiation slows the rate of growth of the spoilage microorganisms in food in much the same way that the low heat used in pasteurization __________ the spoilage action of the microorganisms in milk.

a.precludes
b.initiates
c.inhibits
d.isolates
e.purifies


why preclude doesn't fit here?

Here two examples are being compared. the word required for the blank is similar in nature to the part of the sentence 'slows the rate of growth'. Preclude means to make impossible or to stop from happening. However we need a word that slows down the rate of spoilage action as such inhibits which means something is not allowed to flourish or grow is a more appropriate choice.
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Moreover, the question is an SE and the answer choices are up to F. From A to F.

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Regards
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