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!

Multiple Choice

Which fixative is no water, rapid fixation for RNA stains, cytology for bloody specimens, glycogen preservation?

Carnoy's fixative is the non-aqueous, rapid-dehydrating option that best fits these needs. Comprised of ethanol, chloroform, and acetic acid, it fixes tissue quickly by dehydrating and precipitating proteins, while the absence of water helps preserve water-soluble components like glycogen and RNA. This rapid, non-aqueous action is ideal when you want to stain RNA, since nucleic acids are better preserved without RNase activity that can be promoted in aqueous environments. The acetic acid component also enhances penetration and preserves nuclear detail, which is especially useful for cytology of bloody specimens where red cells can obscure the nuclei; acetic acid helps lyse or clear blood cells, giving clearer cellular outlines. Glycogen stays preserved because there’s no water to dissolve or wash it away. In short, the non-water, fast-acting fixation, and preservation of nucleic acids and glycogen point to Carnoy's as the best choice for these requirements.

Carnoy's fixative is the non-aqueous, rapid-dehydrating option that best fits these needs. Comprised of ethanol, chloroform, and acetic acid, it fixes tissue quickly by dehydrating and precipitating proteins, while the absence of water helps preserve water-soluble components like glycogen and RNA. This rapid, non-aqueous action is ideal when you want to stain RNA, since nucleic acids are better preserved without RNase activity that can be promoted in aqueous environments. The acetic acid component also enhances penetration and preserves nuclear detail, which is especially useful for cytology of bloody specimens where red cells can obscure the nuclei; acetic acid helps lyse or clear blood cells, giving clearer cellular outlines. Glycogen stays preserved because there’s no water to dissolve or wash it away. In short, the non-water, fast-acting fixation, and preservation of nucleic acids and glycogen point to Carnoy's as the best choice for these requirements.