Which dye is responsible for staining Mycobacterium red in Ziehl-Neelsen staining?

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Multiple Choice

Which dye is responsible for staining Mycobacterium red in Ziehl-Neelsen staining?

Explanation:
In Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the red color of Mycobacterium comes from the primary dye carbol fuchsin. The phenol in carbol fuchsin, with heat, helps the dye penetrate the waxy, mycolic-acid–rich cell wall of mycobacteria. These cells resist decolorization by acid-alcohol, so they retain the red stain. A counterstain such as methylene blue then colors the surrounding non–acid-fast material blue to provide contrast. Other dyes listed aren’t used to color the bacteria red in this method.

In Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the red color of Mycobacterium comes from the primary dye carbol fuchsin. The phenol in carbol fuchsin, with heat, helps the dye penetrate the waxy, mycolic-acid–rich cell wall of mycobacteria. These cells resist decolorization by acid-alcohol, so they retain the red stain. A counterstain such as methylene blue then colors the surrounding non–acid-fast material blue to provide contrast. Other dyes listed aren’t used to color the bacteria red in this method.

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