What is the primary storage temperature for most human tissues?

The primary storage temperature for most human tissues is commonly set at -196°C (-321°F), which is the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This extremely low temperature is crucial for preserving tissues and organs, as it effectively halts cellular metabolism and biological processes that could lead to degradation or loss of function. Storing tissues at -196°C prevents ice crystal formation, which can damage cellular structures and compromise the viability of the tissues for future use.

Other temperatures mentioned, such as -80°C, while suitable for some biological samples or specific applications, do not provide the same level of preservation as liquid nitrogen. Similarly, the higher temperatures of -20°C or 0°C do not sufficiently preserve the cellular integrity of human tissues, making them unsuitable for long-term storage. This makes -196°C the most effective choice for the preservation of human tissues.