What characteristic distinguishes non-toxic gel stains from traditional ones?

The characteristic that distinguishes non-toxic gel stains from traditional ones is their lower environmental impact. Non-toxic gel stains are formulated to be safer for both users and the environment compared to traditional stains, which may contain hazardous chemicals and solvents. This makes non-toxic options preferable in laboratory settings, as they reduce the risk of harmful exposure to toxic substances for both the technicians and the ecosystem.

Additionally, the lower environmental impact aligns with increasing emphasis on sustainability and safety in laboratory practices. This characteristic is significant in biotechnology and related fields, where safe handling and environmental considerations are becoming more crucial.

In contrast, while some other options highlight aspects of staining efficiency or methodology, they do not specifically address the distinctive feature of safety and environmental responsibility that non-toxic gel stains provide, which is a key consideration in contemporary laboratory practices.