Staining of specimens under a microscope 2.1.2 Flashcards
What does methylene blue stain?
An all purpose stain, gives a blue colour to both nuclei and cytoplasm.
What does acetic orcein stain?
Binds to DNA and stains chromosomes dark red
E.g. staining mitosis in root tip cells of garlic.
What does eosin stain?
Stains the cytoplasm dark red/pink, allowing for contrast
What does sudan red stain?
Stains lipids red, as it is soluble in fats not water - so accumulates with globules.
What does iodine stain?
Stains cellulose in plant cell walls yellow.
Stains starch granules blue-black (violet under microscope)
How is differential staining carried out?
Some stains bind to specific cell structures, staining each differently - so the structures can be easily identified.
How can scientists overcome transparency of a specimen in microscopy.
It cannot be seen, therefore scientists stain it so it can be seen.
