Acridine orange

Definition

Acridine orange is a nucleic acid-selective fluorescent dye used to stain DNA and RNA in microbiological studies. It emits green fluorescence when bound to DNA and orange/red fluorescence when bound to RNA.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acridine orange can differentiate between DNA and RNA based on fluorescence color.
2. The dye is often used in the identification of mutations by visualizing nucleic acids.
3. It intercalates into DNA and binds electrostatically with RNA, disrupting normal microbial genetic mechanisms.
4. Acridine orange staining is utilized in microscopy for detecting bacterial infections and cell cycle studies.
5. The dye can be used to assess the integrity of nucleic acids, making it useful for mutation detection in various microorganisms.

Review Questions

Related terms

Fluorescent Dye: A chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation.

Intercalation: The insertion of molecules between the planar bases of a nucleic acid duplex.

Microscopy:

The use of microscopes to view samples and objects that cannot be seen with the unaided eye.