Chemical and Physical Fixation of Cells and Tissues: An Overview

Abstract

Fixation is the essential first step in preserving cellular structures with the goal of keeping them as “lifelike” as possible. Two methods are normally used to “fix” biological specimens: chemical and physical fixation. Chemical fixation is the most common approach in specimen preservation. Tissues are immersed in a fixative that kills and stabilizes the cell contents. Physical fixation can include microwaving and cryopreserving samples to rapidly inactivate cellular activity. Chemical and physical fixation methods each have their own merits and limitations. This chapter provides a general overview of the chemical and physical fixation of cells and tissues. Practical issues on plant fixation methods are discussed.