safranin

/'sæfrənin/

Thân thiện

A scientist stains a tissue sample with safranin for microscopic examination.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of synthetic dye: Safranin refers to any of a group of primarily red or pink dyes used in biological staining and industrial applications.
   • A chemical compound: It is a cationic dye belonging to the azine class, commonly used to stain cell nuclei, cartilage, and mucin.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The technician used safranin as a counterstain in the Gram staining procedure.
  • Under the microscope, the nuclei were clearly visible because they absorbed the safranin.

Advanced Usage

• "Safranin O": This is the most common and specific form of safranin dye used in histology and microbiology.
  • Safranin O is applied last in the Gram stain to color Gram-negative bacteria pink.

Variants and Related Words

• Safranine: An alternative spelling for safranin.
• Counterstain: A secondary stain applied to provide contrast, a role often filled by safranin in staining protocols.

Synonyms

• Basic red 2: One of its standard chemical names.
• Cationic dye: Describes its chemical property of having a positive charge, which is why it binds to negatively charged cellular components.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Gram staining: A fundamental microbiological technique where safranin is a key component.
  • After decolorization, the slide is flooded with safranin for one minute.
• Nuclear stain: A stain that colors the cell nucleus; safranin can function as one.
  • Safranin and methyl green are both used as nuclear stains in plant histology.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of a class of chiefly red organic dyes

Từ đồng nghĩa

• safranine
• saffranine