Several chemicals are used in fixation, each with specific advantages and limitations. Common fixatives include:
Formaldehyde: Commonly used in the form of formalin, it is effective in cross-linking proteins and preserving tissue architecture. Glutaraldehyde: Often used for electron microscopy due to its ability to preserve fine cellular details. Alcohols: Such as ethanol and methanol, which dehydrate tissues but can cause shrinkage. Acetic Acid: Used to fix and preserve nucleic acids.
