Routine fixation and paraffin embedding have what effect on endogenous alkaline phosphatase?

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Multiple Choice

Routine fixation and paraffin embedding have what effect on endogenous alkaline phosphatase?

Explanation:
Routine fixation with formalin and paraffin embedding inactivate enzymes. Formalin cross-links proteins, altering the active sites of enzymes, and the subsequent dehydration and embedding steps remove water and further denature proteins. Together, these processing steps irreversibly destroy endogenous alkaline phosphatase activity, so it cannot function or be detected after routine tissue processing. It isn’t preserved or enhanced, and its activity is not left unchanged. This is why, when using AP-based detection, laboratories often block endogenous alkaline phosphatase to prevent background staining.

Routine fixation with formalin and paraffin embedding inactivate enzymes. Formalin cross-links proteins, altering the active sites of enzymes, and the subsequent dehydration and embedding steps remove water and further denature proteins. Together, these processing steps irreversibly destroy endogenous alkaline phosphatase activity, so it cannot function or be detected after routine tissue processing. It isn’t preserved or enhanced, and its activity is not left unchanged. This is why, when using AP-based detection, laboratories often block endogenous alkaline phosphatase to prevent background staining.

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