Multiple choice

Which of the following substances is a classic counterstain in a Gram stain?

  1. Nile red

  2. Indophenol

  3. Safranin

  4. Cresyl violet
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Safranin is a biological stain used in histology and cytology. Safranin is used as a counterstain in some staining protocols, colouring all cell nuclei red. This is the classic counterstain in a Gram stain. It can also be used for the detection of cartilage, mucin and mast cell granules.

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