Which statement best describes the process of fixation?

The process of fixation primarily stabilizes tissue samples to preserve their structure and integrity for subsequent analysis, such as sectioning and staining. Fixatives work by cross-linking proteins and nucleic acids, which helps to maintain the physical and chemical properties of the tissues during the preservation process. This stabilization is essential for ensuring that when the samples are examined microscopically, they accurately reflect their original state.

While fixation may also enhance the visibility of some features within the tissue (which is suggested by another option), the core function remains focused on preserving and stabilizing the tissue for future examination. Other choices mention processes like removing embedding materials or preparing samples solely for staining; however, these are not primary functions of fixation. Instead, fixation serves as a foundational step that impacts all subsequent handling and analysis of the tissue samples.