In Mayer hematoxylin staining, what is added to the solution to form the dye lake?

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Multiple Choice

In Mayer hematoxylin staining, what is added to the solution to form the dye lake?

Explanation:
Dye lakes form when a dye molecule binds to a mordant, creating an insoluble complex that will adhere to tissue. In Mayer hematoxylin, the hematoxylin needs an aluminum mordant to become such a lake, so an aluminum salt is added to the solution. Specifically, ammonium aluminum sulfate provides Al3+ that coordinates with the deprotonated hematoxylin (hematein) to form the aluminum-hematein lake. This lake is less soluble and binds to nuclear components like DNA, producing a stable, blue-black nuclear stain. The other salts listed do not provide the same aluminum mordant used in Mayer’s formulation.

Dye lakes form when a dye molecule binds to a mordant, creating an insoluble complex that will adhere to tissue. In Mayer hematoxylin, the hematoxylin needs an aluminum mordant to become such a lake, so an aluminum salt is added to the solution. Specifically, ammonium aluminum sulfate provides Al3+ that coordinates with the deprotonated hematoxylin (hematein) to form the aluminum-hematein lake. This lake is less soluble and binds to nuclear components like DNA, producing a stable, blue-black nuclear stain. The other salts listed do not provide the same aluminum mordant used in Mayer’s formulation.

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