Final answer:
Air-drying slides during cell preparation results in cells adhering to the slide and being partially preserved. This step follows fixation and ensures that the cells are securely attached to the slide for further staining and examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The result of air-drying slides during cell preparation is that cells adhere to the slide and are partially preserved. Air-drying is a crucial step in the specimen preparation for light microscopy following fixation. Once cells are fixed to a slide, either through heat or chemical means, air-drying helps to further secure the cells in place, preparing them for subsequent staining and viewing under a microscope.
The fixation process not only adheres cells to the slide but also kills microorganisms, arresting their metabolism and preserving their structural integrity. This fixation is important for maintaining the cell's shape and structure for observation, which could be compromised without proper adherence and preservation.
Therefore, air-drying helps in successful cell attachment and preservation, which are critical for accurate microscopic analysis of cell morphology and structure.