Which fixative is classified as a non-additive fixative?

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Multiple Choice

Which fixative is classified as a non-additive fixative?

Explanation:
Non-additive fixatives fix tissue mainly by coagulation and dehydration without forming new covalent bonds between proteins. At high concentrations, ethanol denatures and precipitates proteins and lipids, removing water and causing the structure to harden by coagulation rather than by cross-linking. That coagulative mechanism is the hallmark of non-additive fixatives, so 95% ethyl alcohol fits this category. The other options rely on additives that promote cross-linking or chemical stabilization (such as formaldehyde or metal salts), which is why they’re considered additive fixatives. Thus, ethanol is the correct non-additive choice.

Non-additive fixatives fix tissue mainly by coagulation and dehydration without forming new covalent bonds between proteins. At high concentrations, ethanol denatures and precipitates proteins and lipids, removing water and causing the structure to harden by coagulation rather than by cross-linking. That coagulative mechanism is the hallmark of non-additive fixatives, so 95% ethyl alcohol fits this category.

The other options rely on additives that promote cross-linking or chemical stabilization (such as formaldehyde or metal salts), which is why they’re considered additive fixatives. Thus, ethanol is the correct non-additive choice.

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