Final answer:
To prevent artifacts from cell shrinkage, adding a stabilizing agent is a common and effective method.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent artifacts caused by cell shrinkage, one effective method is adding a stabilizing agent. This is because artifacts are often the result of cells undergoing dehydration or other structural changes during the preparation of biological samples for microscopic examination.
Stabilizing agents can help preserve the cell's morphology by preventing water loss and providing support to cellular structures. Common stabilizing agents include chemical fixatives such as formaldehyde and glycerol, which help to retain the cells' shape and integrity.
Additionally, avoiding extremes in temperature that can lead to thermal stresses, and instead maintaining optimal preservation conditions, is crucial for preventing artifacts in cell samples.