During purge, which substance is used to remove xylene?

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Multiple Choice

During purge, which substance is used to remove xylene?

Explanation:
The key idea is solvent exchange during tissue processing: after paraffin is removed with xylene, xylene must be displaced with a solvent that is compatible with subsequent aqueous staining. 100% ethanol is used because it mixes with xylene and effectively dissolves and carries it out of the tissue. This allows the tissue to progress from a clearing agent toward a hydrated state suitable for staining. Water or hot water won’t remove xylene since they do not mix with xylene, and using xylene itself wouldn’t purge it. So the best choice to remove xylene during this step is 100% ethanol.

The key idea is solvent exchange during tissue processing: after paraffin is removed with xylene, xylene must be displaced with a solvent that is compatible with subsequent aqueous staining. 100% ethanol is used because it mixes with xylene and effectively dissolves and carries it out of the tissue. This allows the tissue to progress from a clearing agent toward a hydrated state suitable for staining. Water or hot water won’t remove xylene since they do not mix with xylene, and using xylene itself wouldn’t purge it. So the best choice to remove xylene during this step is 100% ethanol.

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