Acidic dye
Definition
Acidic dye is a type of stain that carries a negative charge and binds to positively charged cell structures. It is commonly used in staining procedures to contrast cellular components under a microscope.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acidic dyes are negatively charged and bind to positively charged molecules, such as proteins.
- Common examples of acidic dyes include eosin, acid fuchsin, and Congo red.
- They are often used in combination with basic dyes to provide differential staining.
- In microbiology, acidic dyes are typically used for background staining or counterstaining.
- These dyes are less likely to penetrate bacterial cells due to the overall negative charge of the bacterial cell wall.
Review Questions
- What type of charge do acidic dyes carry?
- Why might an acidic dye be used in combination with a basic dye?
- Name one common application of acidic dyes in microbiological staining.
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Related terms
Basic Dye: A type of stain that carries a positive charge and binds to negatively charged cell structures.
Gram Stain: A differential staining technique that uses both basic and acidic dyes to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Counterstain: A secondary stain applied in some staining protocols to provide contrast after the primary stain.
