When sterilizing an inoculating loop, why do you flame from the base to the end of the loop?

Answer 1

Heat rises naturally and by starting at the base of thre loop you can be sure sufficient heat has been applied correctly to the total area of the loop. If you tarted at the top of the loop down you are actually moving away from the heat and thus all bacteria may not be rendered inactive.

Answer 2

You chase the bugs out to the end and off,the other way you chase the bugs down to your hand.

Answer 3

as a precaution only..some bacteria may have inadvertently got there..and you want to sterilize it as to not contaminate your sample or test.