In Mayer's Hematoxylin, what is the function of sodium iodate?

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Multiple Choice

In Mayer's Hematoxylin, what is the function of sodium iodate?

Explanation:
The key idea is that the oxidizing agent in Mayer’s hematoxylin activates the dye. Sodium iodate converts hematoxylin into hematein, the form that actually binds to tissue when paired with the mordant present in the solution. This oxidation step is what enables the nuclear staining to appear the characteristic blue color. It isn’t the mordant itself, nor a solvent, nor a reducing agent—the role of sodium iodate is specifically to oxidize hematoxylin to its active form.

The key idea is that the oxidizing agent in Mayer’s hematoxylin activates the dye. Sodium iodate converts hematoxylin into hematein, the form that actually binds to tissue when paired with the mordant present in the solution. This oxidation step is what enables the nuclear staining to appear the characteristic blue color. It isn’t the mordant itself, nor a solvent, nor a reducing agent—the role of sodium iodate is specifically to oxidize hematoxylin to its active form.

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