What effect does 95% alcohol have on cells during fixation?

Fixation is a crucial step in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination, as it preserves the structure and integrity of cells. Using 95% alcohol as a fixative primarily serves to dehydrate cells and fix them to the slide, leading to the phenomenon known as "artificial shrinkage." This process is significant because dehydration causes the cells to lose water, which can result in a slight reduction in cell volume, giving a clearer view of the cellular architecture.

Additionally, 95% alcohol effectively penetrates the cells and coagulates proteins, stabilizing their structures for further processing, such as sectioning and staining. This provides a consistent platform for analysis. The fixing action of alcohol stops enzymatic activity, preserving the proteins and organelles within the cells, making it possible for pathologists and laboratory technicians to assess and diagnose various conditions accurately.

In summary, the use of 95% alcohol during fixation indeed leads to artificial shrinkage as the cells are dehydrated while simultaneously securing them to the slide, which is essential for the subsequent visualization and examination of cellular components.