Fungi in the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) technique appear as which color due to binding of Schiff reagent to chitin?

Prepare for the Histotechnologist Certification Exam with our comprehensive study material. Use flashcards, detailed explanations, and intuitive multiple-choice questions. Boost your test readiness and achieve certification success!

Multiple Choice

Fungi in the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) technique appear as which color due to binding of Schiff reagent to chitin?

Explanation:
In PAS staining, carbohydrates are oxidized by periodic acid to create aldehyde groups, and Schiff reagent then binds these aldehydes to produce a color. Fungal cell walls contain chitin, a rich polysaccharide, so after oxidation aldehyde groups form in the chitin and the Schiff reagent binds, giving a magenta color. This makes fungal elements stand out as bright magenta against the rest of the tissue, which is typically counterstained. The other colors listed do not result from this reaction with fungal chitin in PAS.

In PAS staining, carbohydrates are oxidized by periodic acid to create aldehyde groups, and Schiff reagent then binds these aldehydes to produce a color. Fungal cell walls contain chitin, a rich polysaccharide, so after oxidation aldehyde groups form in the chitin and the Schiff reagent binds, giving a magenta color. This makes fungal elements stand out as bright magenta against the rest of the tissue, which is typically counterstained. The other colors listed do not result from this reaction with fungal chitin in PAS.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy