BASIC STAIN Meaning and
Definition
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A basic stain refers to a type of dye or coloring agent, specifically designed for use in the field of biology and microbiology, that exhibits an affinity for structures or components that possess a net negative charge, such as nucleic acids, some proteins, and some carbohydrates. These dyes are commonly used in laboratory settings to enhance the visibility and contrast of certain cellular structures or elements under a microscope.
The term "basic" in basic stain refers to the chemical nature of the dye itself. Basic stains typically consist of molecules with a positive charge at the pH level typically used in staining procedures, which is usually above 7. The positive charge on the dye molecule allows it to bind to negatively charged cellular components, thereby enhancing the contrast and visibility of the stained structures.
Examples of common basic stains include methylene blue, crystal violet, and safranin. These dyes are often applied to fixed or preserved biological specimens, such as bacterial smears or thin sections of plant or animal tissues, to highlight specific features or structures of interest.
Basic stains are widely employed in microbiology, histology, and cytology laboratories as indispensable tools for visualizing cellular components and microorganisms. They play a crucial role in assisting scientists, researchers, and medical professionals with the identification and characterization of various biological samples, aiding in the diagnosis, classification, and understanding of diseases and biological processes.
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An aniline salt (usually neutral in its litmus reaction) in which the basic element is the staining part, such as basic fuchsin, methylene blue, Bismarck brown, etc.; the stain affects chiefly bacteria and the nuclei of the cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BASIC STAIN
- vasic stain
- nasic stain
- hasic stain
- gasic stain
- bzsic stain
- bssic stain
- bwsic stain
- bqsic stain
- baaic stain
- bazic stain
- baxic stain
- badic stain
- baeic stain
- bawic stain
- basuc stain
- basjc stain
- baskc stain
- basoc stain
- bas9c stain
- bas8c stain
Etymology of BASIC STAIN
The word "basic stain" has its origins in the field of microscopy and histology. Here is a breakdown of the etymology:
1. Basic: In chemistry, the term "basic" refers to a substance that has a pH greater than 7 and has the ability to accept protons or donate lone pairs of electrons. In the context of staining, basic dyes are used, which are positively charged. These dyes have an affinity for negatively charged components in biological specimens, such as nucleic acids and certain protein structures.
2. Stain: In the field of microscopy, a stain is a substance that is applied to a tissue or specimen to enhance its visibility under a microscope. Stains can be classified into different types based on their chemical properties, such as basic or acidic stains. Basic stains, in particular, bind to negatively charged cellular components and help in highlighting specific structural features of the specimen.
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