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Formaldehyde (HCHO) is used for preserving tissue specimens and embalming bodies. What property of formaldehyde makes this possible?
AIt evaporates away instantly, leaving no residue behind
BIt causes coagulation of proteins, killing bacteria and stopping decay
CIt is completely odourless, colourless, and chemically inert
DIt reacts only with metals, never with organic tissue
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. It causes coagulation of proteins, killing bacteria and stopping decay
1. Preserving tissue requires stopping the biological processes that normally cause decomposition.
2. The text explains: "Formaldehyde causes coagulation of proteins, so it kills bacteria (and any other living organism) and stops many of the biological processes that cause tissue to decay."
3. Far from being odourless, formaldehyde is described elsewhere as having a pungent, irritating odour, and it clearly reacts with organic tissue (proteins), not just metals.
4. So formaldehyde preserves tissue by coagulating proteins, which kills bacteria and halts decay.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry Ch 20 "Organic Chemistry", p.1123 §20.3 Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Esters_
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