Which fixative is known to cause extreme tissue shrinkage and is coagulant?

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Multiple Choice

Which fixative is known to cause extreme tissue shrinkage and is coagulant?

Picric acid is a classic coagulative fixative that rapidly denatures and precipitates proteins, causing the tissue to contract and shrink severely. This strong dehydrating/precipitating action leads to the extreme shrinkage described in the question, especially when used in Bouin’s solution. In contrast, glutaraldehyde largely acts by cross-linking proteins, which preserves structure with less shrinkage; osmium tetroxide fixes lipids and tends to preserve membranes rather than cause dramatic shrinkage. Schmorl's reagent is less specifically associated with this extreme shrinkage effect.

Picric acid is a classic coagulative fixative that rapidly denatures and precipitates proteins, causing the tissue to contract and shrink severely. This strong dehydrating/precipitating action leads to the extreme shrinkage described in the question, especially when used in Bouin’s solution. In contrast, glutaraldehyde largely acts by cross-linking proteins, which preserves structure with less shrinkage; osmium tetroxide fixes lipids and tends to preserve membranes rather than cause dramatic shrinkage. Schmorl's reagent is less specifically associated with this extreme shrinkage effect.

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