What is the purpose of a -80°C freezer in a biological lab?

The purpose of a -80°C freezer in a biological lab is primarily to store biological samples like cells or enzymes for long-term preservation. At this extremely low temperature, metabolic processes are significantly slowed down, which helps prevent degradation and decay of sensitive biological materials. This storage technique is especially beneficial for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids, proteins, and other cellular components, allowing researchers to retrieve samples for future experimentation without compromising their quality.

While some freezers may enable rapid freezing of tissue samples for immediate analysis, this is not the primary function of -80°C freezers; they are mainly designed for long-term storage rather than immediate use. Other options regarding incubating samples or maintaining living organisms do not align with the specific capabilities and intended use of a -80°C freezer. The characteristics and functionality of this type of freezer make it essential for preserving biological samples over extended periods without causing damage.