Formaldehyde crosslinks proteins by reacting with the

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Multiple Choice

Formaldehyde crosslinks proteins by reacting with the

Explanation:
Formaldehyde fixation works by targeting amino groups on proteins. Primary amines (-NH2), such as those on lysine residues and N-termini, react with formaldehyde to form a hydroxymethyl intermediate. This intermediate can then react with another amino group to create a stable methylene bridge (-NH-CH2-NH-), effectively crosslinking proteins to each other. This covalent crosslinking preserves tissue structure. Other groups like -OH, -SH, or -COOH can react in various contexts, but they are not the principal sites for formaldehyde-induced crosslinking in this fixation process, making the amino group the best fit.

Formaldehyde fixation works by targeting amino groups on proteins. Primary amines (-NH2), such as those on lysine residues and N-termini, react with formaldehyde to form a hydroxymethyl intermediate. This intermediate can then react with another amino group to create a stable methylene bridge (-NH-CH2-NH-), effectively crosslinking proteins to each other. This covalent crosslinking preserves tissue structure. Other groups like -OH, -SH, or -COOH can react in various contexts, but they are not the principal sites for formaldehyde-induced crosslinking in this fixation process, making the amino group the best fit.

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