What is used in water baths on sections cut on the cryostat to remove creases and folds?

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Multiple Choice

What is used in water baths on sections cut on the cryostat to remove creases and folds?

A small amount of alcohol in the water bath helps frozen sections relax and spread out, making it easier to remove creases. Specifically, a 20% alcohol solution lowers surface tension and keeps the tissue pliable as it floats on the bath, so folds unfold and the section can be laid flat on the slide. Using plain water often leaves more surface tension, which can trap folds; too strong an alcohol concentration can damage morphology, so a gentle 20% mix provides the right balance for flattening without harming the tissue.

A small amount of alcohol in the water bath helps frozen sections relax and spread out, making it easier to remove creases. Specifically, a 20% alcohol solution lowers surface tension and keeps the tissue pliable as it floats on the bath, so folds unfold and the section can be laid flat on the slide. Using plain water often leaves more surface tension, which can trap folds; too strong an alcohol concentration can damage morphology, so a gentle 20% mix provides the right balance for flattening without harming the tissue.

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