Which fixative is anhydrous (no water) and used for RNA stains and glycogen preservation?

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Multiple Choice

Which fixative is anhydrous (no water) and used for RNA stains and glycogen preservation?

Preserving RNA and glycogen requires a fixative that contains no water to prevent hydrolysis and loss of these labile molecules. Carnoy’s fixative achieves this as an anhydrous mixture of ethanol, chloroform, and acetic acid. The ethanol dehydrates and coagulates proteins quickly, locking cellular structures in place; the acetic acid enhances nuclear detail and helps stabilize nucleic acids; the chloroform helps dissolve lipids to improve penetration. Because there’s no water, RNA and glycogen are less prone to extraction or degradation during fixation, making this fixative particularly effective for RNA stains and glycogen preservation. While other fixatives may be anhydrous or aqueous, Carnoy’s combination is especially noted for maintaining RNA integrity and glycogen content during staining and analysis.

Preserving RNA and glycogen requires a fixative that contains no water to prevent hydrolysis and loss of these labile molecules. Carnoy’s fixative achieves this as an anhydrous mixture of ethanol, chloroform, and acetic acid. The ethanol dehydrates and coagulates proteins quickly, locking cellular structures in place; the acetic acid enhances nuclear detail and helps stabilize nucleic acids; the chloroform helps dissolve lipids to improve penetration. Because there’s no water, RNA and glycogen are less prone to extraction or degradation during fixation, making this fixative particularly effective for RNA stains and glycogen preservation. While other fixatives may be anhydrous or aqueous, Carnoy’s combination is especially noted for maintaining RNA integrity and glycogen content during staining and analysis.

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