What is one method of preserving post-mortem tissues before they are processed?

Freezing is a widely accepted method for preserving post-mortem tissues before processing. This technique allows for the maintenance of cellular structure and functionality by halting biological processes that lead to decay. When tissues are frozen, ice crystals form within the cells, leading to a state where metabolic activities are significantly slowed down. This method is particularly advantageous because it allows for the preservation of various important molecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, which are essential for the subsequent processing and analysis of the tissues.

While chemical treatment and irradiation may also be used in specific contexts to preserve tissues, they often involve alterations that can affect the integrity and functionality of the tissues. Inhalation preservation is not a recognized or standard method in tissue preservation practices, making it less relevant in this context. Hence, freezing stands out as the most effective and commonly employed technique for this purpose.