Which of the following statements identifies a common cause of thick and thin tissue sections and the correct method to prevent it?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements identifies a common cause of thick and thin tissue sections and the correct method to prevent it?

Consistent section thickness depends on how the knife is held in the microtome. If the blade is clamped too tightly, the edge can be deformed or pressed unevenly, causing deflection during cutting and producing thicker sections. The correct approach is to avoid over-tightening the clamps and screws, and ensure the knife sits evenly and square to the block with proper alignment and support. A dull blade can cause rough cuts and tearing but doesn’t explain consistent thickness variation as directly as improper blade tension; changing blade type won’t fix a clamping issue; and water bath temperature affects flotation, not the cutting thickness.

Consistent section thickness depends on how the knife is held in the microtome. If the blade is clamped too tightly, the edge can be deformed or pressed unevenly, causing deflection during cutting and producing thicker sections. The correct approach is to avoid over-tightening the clamps and screws, and ensure the knife sits evenly and square to the block with proper alignment and support. A dull blade can cause rough cuts and tearing but doesn’t explain consistent thickness variation as directly as improper blade tension; changing blade type won’t fix a clamping issue; and water bath temperature affects flotation, not the cutting thickness.

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