Histological staining techniques rely heavily on water:
- Hydration and Dehydration: Before staining, tissues are often rehydrated by passing them through a series of decreasing alcohol concentrations to water. After staining, dehydration is repeated to prepare the tissue for mounting. - Stains: Many stains are water-soluble, and their efficacy can depend on the tissue's hydration state. Commonly used stains like hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) require water for proper application and differentiation.
