What is a key consideration when storing biological materials?

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial when storing biological materials because many of these materials, such as cells, tissues, and microorganisms, are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and light. Each type of biological material has specific requirements for storage; for example, some must be kept at low temperatures in freezers or liquid nitrogen to preserve their viability, while others may require specific humidity levels to remain stable. Failing to provide the appropriate conditions can lead to loss of integrity, functionality, or even viability of the biological materials, compromising research outcomes or safety.

While considerations like accessibility, use of space, and aesthetics are important in a laboratory setting, they do not match the critical nature of environmental control regarding the specific needs of biological materials. Proper environmental conditions are fundamental to ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the materials for experiments and healthcare applications.