Staining is a biochemical technique of adding a class-specific (DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) dye to a substrate to qualify or quantify the presence of a specific compound. It is similar to fluorescent tagging. Biochemistry the chemistry of life, a bridge between biology and chemistry that studies how complex chemical reactions give rise to life. ... Space-filling model of a section of DNA molecule Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (and most viruses). ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... Figure 1: Structure of a Lipid. ... Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms. ... Fluorescence induced by exposure to ultraviolet light in vials containing various sized cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots. ...

Stains and dyes are frequently used in biology and medicine to highlight structures in biological tissues for viewing, often with the aid of different microscopes. Stains may be used to define and examine bulk tissues (highlighting, for example, muscle fibers or connective tissue), cell populations (classifying different blood cells, for instance), or organelles within individual cells. Yarn drying after being dyed in the early American tradition, at Conner Prairie living history museum. ... Main articles: Life The most salient example of biological universality is that all living things share a common carbon-based biochemistry and in particular pass on their characteristics via genetic material, which is based on nucleic acids such as DNA and which uses a common genetic code with only minor... See also Medical doctor (BE), Physician (AE), and Medical school. ... Biological tissue is a substance made up of cells that perform a similar function. ... It has been suggested that microscopy be merged into this article or section. ... A top-down view of skeletal muscle Muscle is a contractile form of tissue. ... Connective tissue is any type of biological tissue with an extensive extracellular matrix and often serves to support, bind together, and protect organs. ... Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green) The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and are sometimes called the building blocks of life. ... Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are present in the blood and help carry oxygen to the rest of the cells in the body Blood is a circulating tissue composed of fluid plasma and cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets). ... Schematic of typical animal cell, showing subcellular components. ...

Biological staining is also used to mark cells in flow cytometry, and to flag proteins or nucleic acids in gel electrophoresis. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting, examining and sorting microscopic particles suspended in a stream of fluid. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... A nucleic acid is a complex, high-molecular-weight biochemical macromolecule composed of nucleotide chains that convey genetic information. ... SDS-PAGE autoradiography DNA agarose gel Gel electrophoresis is a group of techniques used by scientists to separate molecules based on physical characteristics such as size, shape, or isoelectric point. ...

Lung tissue from emphysema patient, stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

Image File history File links Image is of H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) stained lung tissue sample taken from an end-stage emphysema patient. ... Image File history File links Image is of H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) stained lung tissue sample taken from an end-stage emphysema patient. ...

In vitro staining

In vitro staining involves colouring cells or structures that are no longer living. In vitro means literally "in glass"; compare with in vivo. Certain stains are often combined to reveal more details and features than a single stain alone. Combined with specific protocols for fixation and sample preparation, scientists and physicians can use these standard techniques as consistent, repeatable diagnostic tools. A counterstain is stain added which makes visible cells or structures not coloured by the principal stain. For example, crystal violet stains only Gram-positive bacteria in Gram staining. A safranin counterstain is applied which stains all cells, allowing the identification of Gram-negative bacteria as well. Look up Fixation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Fixation in human psychology refers to the state where an individual becomes obsessed with an attachment to another human, animal or inanimate object. ... Gram-positive anthrax bacteria with counterstained white blood cells A counterstain is a stain with color contrasting to the principial stain, making the stained structure more easily visible. ... Structure of Methyl Violet 2B Methyl violet is the name given to a group of similar chemicals used as pH indicators and dyes. ... Gram-positive bacteria are those that are stained dark blue or violet by gram staining, in contrast to gram-negative bacteria, which are not affected by the stain. ... Gram-positive anthrax bacteria (purple rods) in cerebrospinal fluid sample. ... Safranin (also Safranin O or basic red 2) is a biological stain used in histology and cytology. ...

Preparation

The preparatory steps involved depend on the type of analysis planned; some or all of the following procedures may be required.

Permeabilization involves treatment of cells with (usually) a mild surfactant. This treatment will dissolve the cell membranes, and allow larger dye molecules access to the cell's interior. Surfactants, also known as wetting agents, lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and the interfacial tension between two liquids. ... Drawing of a cell membrane A component of every biological cell, the selectively permeable cell membrane (or plasma membrane or plasmalemma) is a thin and structured bilayer of phospholipid and protein molecules that envelopes the cell. ...

Fixation–which may itself consist of several steps–aims to preserve the shape of the cells or tissue involved as much as possible. Most fixatives (chemicals causing fixation) generate chemical bonds between proteins and other substances within the sample, increasing their rigidity. Common fixative solutions often include formaldehyde, ethanol, methanol, and/or picric acid. Pieces of tissue may be embedded in paraffin wax to increase their mechanical strength and stability and to make them easier to cut into thin slices. Look up Fixation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Fixation in human psychology refers to the state where an individual becomes obsessed with an attachment to another human, animal or inanimate object. ... A fixative is a liquid, similar to varnish, which is usually sprayed over a finished piece of artwork to better preserve it and prevent smudging. ... A chemical bond is the phenomenon of atoms being held together in molecules, crystals or in solid metal. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... The chemical compound formaldehyde (also known as methanal), is a gas with a strong pungent smell. ... This article has been identified as possibly containing errors. ... Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical compound with chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colourless, tasteless, flammable, poisonous liquid with a very faint odor. ... Picric acid is the common term for the chemical compound 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, also known as TNP; the material is a yellow crystalline solid. ... Paraffin is a common name for a group of high molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is greater than about 20, discovered by Carl Reichenbach. ...

Mounting usually involves attaching the samples to a glass microscope slide for observation and analysis. In some cases, cells may be grown directly on a slide. For samples of loose cells (as with a blood smear or a pap smear) the sample can be directly applied to a slide. For larger pieces of tissue, thin sections (slices) are made using a microtome; these slices can then be mounted and inspected. The pap smear as we know it is an invention of Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou (1883-1962), an American of Greek birth, the father of cytopathology. ... A microtome is a mechanical instrument used to cut very thin slices for microscopic examination. ...

Staining

At its simplest, the actual staining process may involve immersing the sample (before or after fixation and mounting) in dye solution, followed by rinsing and observation.

Many dyes, however, require the use of a mordant: a chemical compound which reacts with the stain to form an insoluble, coloured precipitate. When excess dye solution is washed away, the mordanted stain remains. Look up Mordant on Wiktionary, the free dictionary A mordant is a substance used to set dyes. ...

Gram staining

Gram staining is used to determine gram status classify bacteria broadly. It is based on the composition of their cell wall. Gram staining uses crystal violet to stain cell walls, iodine as a mordant, and a fuchsin or safranin counterstain to mark all bacteria. Gram status is important in medicine; the presence or absence of a cell wall will change the bacterium's susceptibility to some antibiotics. Gram-positive anthrax bacteria (purple rods) in cerebrospinal fluid sample. ... A cell wall is a more or less solid layer surrounding a cell. ... Structure of Methyl Violet 2B Methyl violet is the name given to a group of similar chemicals used as pH indicators and dyes. ... Fuchsine or rosaniline hydrochloride is a magenta dye with chemical formula C19H17N3·HCl and CAS number 569-61-9. ... Safranin (also Safranin O or basic red 2) is a biological stain used in histology and cytology. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ...

Gram-positive bacteria stain dark blue or violet. Their cell wall is typically rich with peptidoglycan and lacks the secondary membrane and lipopolysaccharide layer found in Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are those that are stained dark blue or violet by gram staining, in contrast to gram-negative bacteria, which are not affected by the stain. ... A cell wall is a more or less solid layer surrounding a cell. ... Peptidoglycan, also known as murein, is a substance that forms a homogeneous layer lying outside the plasma membrane in bacteria. ... A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large molecule that contains both lipid and a carbohydrate. ...

On most Gram-stained preparations, Gram-negative organisms will appear red or pink because they are counterstained. In contrast to most Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria have only a few layers of peptidoglycan and a secondary cell membrane made primarily of lipopolysaccharide. Peptidoglycan, also known as murein, is a substance that forms a homogeneous layer lying outside the plasma membrane in bacteria. ... A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large molecule that contains both lipid and a carbohydrate. ...

Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining

H&E stained lung tissue from an emphysema patient.

Haematoxylin and eosin staining protocol is used frequently in histology to examine thin sections of tissue. Haematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains cytoplasm and connective tissue pink or red. Eosin is strongly absorbed by red blood cells, colouring them bright red. Image File history File links Image is of H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) stained lung tissue sample taken from an end-stage emphysema patient. ... Image File history File links Image is of H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) stained lung tissue sample taken from an end-stage emphysema patient. ... A thin section of lung tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin. ... Haematoxylin is extracted from the wood of the logwood tree. ... Eosin is an orange-pink dye derived from coal tar. ... Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. ...

Papanicolaou staining

Papanicolaou staining, or Pap staining, is a frequently used method for examining cell samples from various bodily secretions. It is frequently used to stain the Pap smear specimens. It uses a combination of haematoxylin, Orange G, Eosin Y, Light Green SF yellowish, and sometimes Bismarck Brown Y. The pap smear as we know it is an invention of Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou (1883-1962), an American of Greek birth, the father of cytopathology. ... Haematoxylin is extracted from the wood of the logwood tree. ... Orange G Orange G, Acid Orange 10, or C.I. 16230, is a synthetic azo dye used in histology in many staining formulations. ... Bismarck brown Y Bismarck brown Y, or Bismarck brown, Manchester brown, Phenylene brown, Basic Brown 1, or C.I. 21000, is a diazo dye. ...

PAS staining

Periodic acid-Schiff staining is used to demonstrating carbohydrates (glycogen, glycoprotein, proteoglycans). It is used to distinguish different types of glycogen storage diseases. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) is a staining method used in histology and pathology. ... Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms. ... Electron micrograph of a section of a liver cell showing glycogen deposits as accumulations of electron dense particles (arrows). ... A glycoprotein is a macromolecule composed of a protein and a carbohydrate (a sugar). ... Proteoglycans represent a special class of glycoprotein that are heavily glycosylated. ...

Masson's trichrome

Masson's trichrome is (as the name implies) a three-colour staining protocol. The recipe has evolved from Masson's original technique for different specific applications, but all are well-suited to distinguish cells from surrounding connective tissue. Most recipes will produce red keratin and muscle fibers, blue or green staining of collagen and bone, light red or pink staining of cytoplasm, and black cell nuclei. Massons trichrome is a three-color staining protocol used in histology. ... Connective tissue is any type of biological tissue with an extensive extracellular matrix and often serves to support, bind together, and protect organs. ... Micrograph of stained α-keratin from mouse liver Keratins are fibrous structural proteins; tough and insoluble, they form the hard but nonmineralized structures found in reptiles, birds and mammals (vertebrates), and also the silk of insects and spiders (invertebrates). ... Tropocollagen triple helix. ... Grays illustration of a human femur, a typically recognized bone. ... Cytoplasm is a homogeneous, generally clear jelly-like material that fills cells. ... In cell biology, the nucleus (from Latin nucleus or nuculeus, kernel) is found in all eukaryotic cells that contains most of the cells genetic material. ...

Romanowsky stains

The Romanowsky stains are all based on a combination of eosinate (chemically reduced eosin) and methylene blue (sometimes with its oxidation products azure A and azure B). Common variants include Wright's stain, Jenner's stain, Leishman stain and Giemsa stain. Romanowsky staining was a prototypical staining technique that was the forerunner of several distinct but similar methods, including Giemsa, Wright, and Leishman stains, which are used to differentiate cells in pathologic specimens. ... The most fundamental reactions in chemistry are the redox processes. ... Eosin is an orange-pink dye derived from coal tar. ... Structural formula of methylene blue Methylene Blue, methylthionine chloride or 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride is a chemical compound used as a dye and medication for Grams stain, Wrights stain, and Jenners stain and the treatment of methemoglobinemia. ... Wrights stain is a technique in histology that is used to make the differences between cells visible under light microscopy. ... Jenners Stain (methylene blue eosinate) is used in microscopy for staining blood smears. ... Giemsa stain is used for the histopathological diagnosis of Malaria and other parasites. ...

All are used to examine blood or bone marrow samples. They are preferred over H&E for inspection of blood cells because different types of leukocytes (white blood cells) can be readily distinguished. All are also suited to examination of blood to detect blood-borne parasites like malaria. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are present in the blood and help carry oxygen to the rest of the cells in the body Blood is a circulating tissue composed of fluid plasma and cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets). ... We are very sorry this search engine is being modified and customized at the moment. ... White Blood Cells is also the name of a White Stripes album. ... Red blood cell infected with Malaria (Italian: bad air; formerly called ague or marsh fever in English) is an infectious disease which in humans causes about 350-500 million infections and approximately 30. ...

Silver staining

Silver staining is the use of silver to stain histologic sections. This kind of staining is important especially to show proteins (for example type III collagen) and DNA. It is used to show both substances inside and outside cells. Silver staining is also used in temperature gradient gel electrophoresis. General Name, Symbol, Number silver, Ag, 47 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11, 5, d Appearance lustrous white metal Atomic mass 107. ... Histological section refers to thin slices of tissue applied to a microscopic slide, usually around 5 to 10 micrometres thick, which are viewed under a microscope. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... Tropocollagen triple helix. ... Space-filling model of a section of DNA molecule Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (and most viruses). ... Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green) The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and are sometimes called the building blocks of life. ... Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) is a form of electrophoresis that studies the behavior of substances under different temperatures. ...

Some cells are argentaffin. These reduce silver solution to metallic silver after formalin fixation. Other cells are argyrophilic. These reduce silver solution to metallic silver after being exposed to the stain that contains a reductant, for example hydroquinone or formalin. Reduction or reducing has several meanings: In mathematics, reduction is the process of manipulating a series of equations or matrices into a desired simpler format. ... The chemical compound formaldehyde (also known by IUPAC nomenclature as methanal), is a gas with a strong pungent smell. ... Look up Fixation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Fixation in human psychology refers to the state where an individual becomes obsessed with an attachment to another human, animal or inanimate object. ... A reducing agent is the element or a compound in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction (see electrochemistry) that reduces another species. ... R-phrases , , , , , S-phrases , , , Flash point 165 °C RTECS number MX3500000 Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ...

Sudan staining

Sudan staining is the use of Sudan dyes to stain sudanophilic substances, usually lipids. Sudan III, Sudan IV, Oil Red O, and Sudan Black B are often used. Sudan staining is often used to determine the level of fecal fat to diagnose steatorrhea. Figure 1: Structure of a Lipid. ... Sudan III Sudan III (C22H16N4O) is a lysochrome (fat-soluble dye) diazo dye used for staining of triglycerides in frozen sections, and some protein bound lipids and lipoproteins on paraffin sections. ... Sudan IV Sudan IV (C24H20N4O) is a lysochrome (fat-soluble dye) diazo dye used for staining of lipids, triglycerides and lipoproteins on frozen paraffin sections. ... Oil Red O Oil Red O (Solvent Red 27, Sudan Red 5B, C.I. 26125, C26H24N4O) is a lysochrome (fat-soluble dye) diazo dye used for staining of neutral triglycerides and lipids on frozen sections and some lipoproteins on paraffin sections. ... Sudan Black B Sudan Black B (C26H24N4O) is a lysochrome (fat-soluble dye) diazo dye used for staining of neutral triglycerides and lipids on frozen sections and some lipoproteins on paraffin sections. ... In medicine, a fecal fat test is a diagnostic test for fat malabsorption conditions (also referred to as steatorrhea). ... Steatorrhea (or steatorrhoea) is the formation of bulky, grey or light colored stools. ...

In vivo staining

In vivo staining is the process of dyeing living tissues—in vivo means "in life" (compare with in vitro staining). By causing certain cells or structures to take on contrasting color(s), their form (morphology) or position within a cell or tissue can be readily seen and studied. The usual purpose is to reveal cytological details that might otherwise not be apparent; however, staining can also reveal where certain chemicals or specific chemical reactions are taking place within cells or tissues.

Often these stains are called vital stains. They are introduced to the organism while the cells are still living. However, these stains are eventually toxic to the organism, some more so than others. To achieve desired effects, the stains are used in very dilute solutions ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:500,000 (Howey, 2000). Note that many stains may be used in both living and fixed cells.

Basic biological stains

Different stains react or concentrate in different parts of a cell or tissue, and these properties are used to advantage to reveal specific parts or areas. Some of the most common biological stains are listed below. Unless otherwise marked, all of these dyes may be used with fixed cells and tissues; vital dyes (suitable for use with living organisms) are noted.

Bismarck brown

Bismarck brown (also Bismarck brown Y or Manchester brown) imparts a yellow colour to acid mucins. Bismarck brown may be used with live cells. Bismarck brown Y Bismarck brown Y, or Bismarck brown, Manchester brown, Phenylene brown, Basic Brown 1, or C.I. 21000, is a diazo dye. ... Mucins are a family of large, heavily glycosylated proteins. ...

Carmine

Carmine is an intensely red dye which may be used to stain glycogen, while Carmine alum is a nuclear stain. Carmine stains require the use of a mordant, usually aluminum. Carmine is a pigment of a bright red color obtained from the carminic acid produced by the cochineal insect, and is used as a general term for a particularly deep red color. ... Electron micrograph of a section of a liver cell showing glycogen deposits as accumulations of electron dense particles (arrows). ... Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ...

Coomassie blue

Coomassie blue (also brilliant blue) nonspecifically stains proteins a strong blue colour. It is often used in gel electrophoresis. Coomassie (also known as Brilliant Blue dye) is a blue dye commonly used in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. ...

Crystal violet

Crystal violet, when combined with a suitable mordant, stains cell walls purple. Crystal violet is an important component in Gram staining. Structure of Methyl Violet 2B Methyl violet is the name given to a group of similar chemicals used as pH indicators and dyes. ... A cell wall is a more or less solid layer surrounding a cell. ...

DAPI

DAPI is a fluorescent nuclear stain, excited by ultraviolet light and showing strong blue fluorescence when bound to DNA. DAPI is not visible with regular transmission microscopy. It may be used in living or fixed cells. Structural formula of DAPI DAPI or 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole is a fluorescent stain that binds strongly to DNA. It is used extensively in fluorescence microscopy. ... Fluorescence induced by exposure to ultraviolet light in vials containing various sized cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots. ... Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength shorter than that of the visible region, but longer than that of soft X-rays. ... Space-filling model of a section of DNA molecule Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (and most viruses). ...

Eosin

Eosin is most often used as a counterstain to haematoxylin, imparting a pink or red colour to cytoplasmic material, cell membranes, and some extracellular structures. It also imparts a strong red colour to red blood cells. Eosin may also be used as a counterstain in some variants of Gram staining, and in many other protocols. There are actually two very closely related compounds commonly referred to as eosin. Most often used is eosin Y (also known as eosin Y ws or eosin yellowish); it has a very slightly yellowish cast. The other eosin compound is eosin B (eosin bluish or imperial red); it has a very faint bluish cast. The two dyes are interchangeable, and the use of one or the other is more a matter of preference and tradition. Eosin is an orange-pink dye derived from coal tar. ... Cytoplasm is a homogeneous, generally clear jelly-like material that fills cells. ... Drawing of a cell membrane A component of every biological cell, the selectively permeable cell membrane (or plasma membrane or plasmalemma) is a thin and structured bilayer of phospholipid and protein molecules that envelopes the cell. ... Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. ...

Ethidium bromide

Ethidium bromide intercalates and stains DNA, provding a fluorescent red-orange stain. Although it will not stain healthy cells, it can be used to identify cells that are in the final stages of apoptosis - such cells have much more permeable membranes. Consequently, ethidium bromide is often used as a marker for apoptosis in cells populations and to locate bands of DNA in gel electrophoresis. Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is an intercalating agent commonly used as a nucleic acid stain in molecular biology laboratories for techniques such as agarose gel electrophoresis. ... Intercalation induces structural distortions. ... Apoptosis In biology, apoptosis (from the Greek words apo = from and ptosis = falling, commonly pronounced ap-a-tow-sis[1]) is one of the main types of programmed cell death (PCD). ... It has been suggested that Net flux be merged into this article or section. ... SDS-PAGE autoradiography DNA agarose gel Gel electrophoresis is a group of techniques used by scientists to separate molecules based on physical characteristics such as size, shape, or isoelectric point. ...

Fuchsin

Fuchsin may be used to stain collagen, smooth muscle, or mitochondria. It is frequently used as part of Masson's trichrome. Fuchsine or rosaniline hydrochloride is a magenta dye with chemical formula C19H17N3·HCl and CAS number 569-61-9. ... Mitochondria are visible as thread-like structures in the light microscope. ... Massons trichrome is a three-color staining protocol used in histology. ...

Haematoxylin

Haematoxylin is a nuclear stain. Used with a mordant, haematoxylin stains nuclei blue-violet or brown. It is most often used with eosin in H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) staining—one of the most common procedures in histology. Haematoxylin is extracted from the wood of the logwood tree. ... A thin section of lung tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin. ...

Hoechst stains

Hoechst 33258 and Hoechst 33342 are two closely related fluorescent stains. They fluoresce strongly when bound to DNA, but are not visible under transmitted light. The two compounds are functionally very similar, and both may be used in living cells. Transmission image of HeLa cells, with overlay of Hoechst 33258 staining (blue). ...

Iodine

Iodine is used in chemistry as an indicator for starch. When starch is mixed with iodine in solution, an intensely dark blue color develops, representing a starch/iodine complex. Starch is a substance common to most plant cells and so a weak iodine solution will stain starch present in the cells. Iodine is one component in the staining technique known as Gram staining, used in microbiology. General Name, Symbol, Number iodine, I, 53 Chemical series halogens Group, Period, Block 17, 5, p Appearance violet-dark gray, lustrous Atomic mass 126. ... Chemistry (derived from the Arabic word kimia, alchemy, where al is Arabic for the) is the science of matter that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo. ... A chemical indicator is any substance used to assist in the classification of another substance. ... Starch is a complex carbohydrate which is insoluble in water. ... Gram-positive anthrax bacteria (purple rods) in cerebrospinal fluid sample. ... Microbiology is the study of microbes or organisms at a micro level. ...

Lugol's solution or Lugol's iodine (IKI) is a brown solution that turns black in the presence of starches and can be used as a cell stain, making the cell nuclei more visible. Lugols iodine, also known as Lugols solution, is a solution of iodine named after the French physician J.G.A. Lugol. ... In cell biology, the nucleus (from Latin nucleus or nuculeus, kernel) is found in all eukaryotic cells that contains most of the cells genetic material. ...

Malachite green

Malachite green (also known as diamond green B or victoria green B) can be used as a blue-green counterstain to safranin in the Gimenez staining technique for bacteria. It also can be used to directly stain spores. Malachite green (also aniline green, basic green 4, diamond green B, or victoria green B, IUPAC name:4-[(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-phenyl-methyl]-N,N-dimethyl-aniline) is a toxic chemical used to treat parasites, fungal infections, and bacterial infections in fish and fish eggs. ... The Gimenez staining technique uses biological stains to detect and identify bacterial infections in tissue samples. ... The term spore has several different meanings in biology. ...

Methyl green

Methyl green is chemically related to crystal violet, sporting an extra methyl or ethyl group.

Methylene blue

Methylene blue is used to stain animal cells, such as human cheek cells, to make their nuclei more observable. Structural formula of methylene blue Methylene Blue, methylthionine chloride or 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride is a chemical compound used as a dye and medication for Grams stain, Wrights stain, and Jenners stain and the treatment of methemoglobinemia. ...

Neutral red

Neutral red (or toluylene red) stains nuclei red. It is usually used as a counterstain in combination with other dyes.

Nile blue

Nile blue (or Nile blue A) stains nuclei blue. It may be used with living cells. Nile blue structural formula Nile blue (or Nile blue A) is a stain used in biology and histology. ...

Nile red

Nile red (also known as Nile blue oxazone) is formed by boiling Nile blue with sulfuric acid. This produces a mix of Nile red and Nile blue. Nile red is a lipophilic stain; it will accumulate in lipid globules inside cells, staining them red. Nile red can be used with living cells. Nile blue structural formula Nile blue (or Nile blue A) is a stain used in biology and histology. ... Sulfuric acid (British English: sulphuric acid), H2SO4, is a strong mineral acid. ... In chemistry, hydrophobic or lipophilic species, or hydrophobes, tend to be electrically neutral and nonpolar, and thus prefer other neutral and nonpolar solvents or molecular environments. ... Figure 1: Structure of a Lipid. ...

Osmium tetroxide

Osmium tetroxide is used in optical microscopy to stain lipids. It dissolves in fats, and is reduced by organic materials to elementary osmium, an easily visible black substance. The chemical compound osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is an oxide of the element osmium, in which it attains its highest oxidation number of 8. ... Figure 1: Structure of a Lipid. ...

Rhodamine

Rhodamine is a fluorescent stain. Rhodamine is a family of related chemical compounds. ...

Safranin

Safranin (or Safranin O) is a nuclear stain. It produces red nuclei, and is used primarily as a counterstain. Safranin may also be used to give a yellow colour to collagen. Safranin (also Safranin O or basic red 2) is a biological stain used in histology and cytology. ...

Electron microscopy

Similar to light microscopy, stains can be used to selectively highlight cellular structures in transmission electron microscopy. Electron-dense compounds of heavy metals are typically used. For example, phosphotungstic acid is a common negative stain for viruses, nerves, polysaccharides, and other biological tissue materials. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an imaging technique whereby a beam of electrons is focused onto a specimen causing an enlarged version to appear on a fluorescent screen or layer of photographic film (see electron microscope), or can be detected by a CCD camera. ... Phosphotungstic acid (PTA), tungstophosphoric acid, or tungsten hydrogen oxide phosphate (HPW), is a . ... The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) A virus is a microscopic parasite that infects cells in biological organisms. ... Nerves (yellow)    Nerves redirects here. ... Polysaccharides (sometimes called glycans) are relatively complex carbohydrates. ...

Other chemicals used in electron microscopy staining include ammonium molybdate, cadmium iodide, carbohydrazide, ferric chloride, hexamethylene tetramine, indium trichloride, lanthanum nitrate, lead acetate, lead citrate, lead nitrate, osmium tetroxide, periodic acid, phosphomolybdic acid, potassium ferricyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, Ruthenium Red, silver nitrate, sodium chloroaurate, thallium nitrate, thiosemicarbazide, uranyl acetate, uranyl nitrate, and vanadyl sulfate. [1] Ferric chloride (FeCl3) is an iron-based salt. ... Hexamine ((CH2)6N4) is a chemical created by the reaction of 6 moles of formaldehyde and 4 moles of ammonia . ... Lead acetate (Trihydrate Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O) is a white crystalline substance made by dissolving lead in acetic acid. ... The chemical compound osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is an oxide of the element osmium, in which it attains its highest oxidation number of 8. ... Periodic acid is HIO4 or H5IO6. ... Potassium ferricyanide (K3Fe(CN)6), molecular weight:329. ... Potassium ferrocyanide (K4Fe(CN)6·3H2O), also known as yellow prussiate of potash, is a coordination compound forming lemon-yellow monoclinic crystals at room temperature and decomposing at its boiling point. ... R-phrases , S-phrases , , , , Flash point non-flammable Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ... Uranyl nitrate (UO2(NO3)2) is a water soluble yellow uranium salt. ...

See also

• Derivatization
• Cytology: the study of cells
• Histology: the study of tissues
• Microscopy
• Staining onion cells without methylene blue
• Article categories for dyes and pigments

Derivatization is a technique used in Chemistry which transforms a chemical Compound into a Product of similar chemical Structure, called Derivate. ... Cytology (also known as Cell biology) is the scientific study of cells. ... A thin section of lung tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into microscope. ... Introduction Methylene Blue may not be suited for storing in classrooms (of especially younger students) due to health hazards if swallowed. ...

External links

• StainsFile reference for dyes and staining techniques
• Vital Staining for Protozoa and Related Temporary Mounting Techniques ~ Howey, 2000
• Speaking of Fixation: Part 1 and Part 2 - by M. Halit Umar