Which fixative causes brittleness and rapid fixation, acts as a coagulant, is non-additive, and intolerant?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Acetone is a simple, rapid, dehydrating fixative that acts by precipitating proteins, so fixation happens quickly. This coagulant action pulls proteins out of solution and forms a network, which makes tissue hard and brittle. It is non-additive, meaning it doesn’t introduce extra fixative agents like picric or acetic acid into the tissue—it's used in its pure form. It is also considered intolerant because it doesn’t tolerate water; tissues are fixed in pure acetone and should not be kept in aqueous environments during processing. Bouin’s and Carnoy’s are additive fixatives that contain acids or picric acid, altering tissue beyond simple dehydration, so they don’t fit the non-additive, highly brittle, rapid-fixation profile as neatly. Ethanol is a coagulative fixative as well, but acetone’s combination of rapid dehydration, strong coagulant action, and non-additive, water-intolerant nature best matches all the described properties.