Final answer:
More water is removed from tissues with embalming fluids that have a higher concentration of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde coagulates proteins, making them insoluble, thus preserving the tissues by reducing their water content.
Step-by-step explanation:
More water can be removed from tissues with embalming fluids that are high in formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that denatures proteins by causing their coagulation, which means that it renders proteins insoluble in water and resistant to bacterial decay. This property is particularly useful in embalming solutions, where the goal is to preserve the tissue and prevent decay. Formaldehyde is sold as a solution called formalin, which typically contains 37% to 40% formaldehyde by weight. This solution is used for preserving biological specimens and in the embalming process to maintain the tissue's integrity by reducing its water content and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.