Methods of studying the structure and function of cells ? Q&A - 2

Question:Basic dyes such as methylene blue or toluidine blue are positively charged at the pH of most staining solutions used in histology. Thus the dyes bind to acidic (negatively charged) substances in the cell. These acidic molecules are therefore referred to as basophilic substances in cells. Give some examples of basophilic substances?

Answer:Examples of basophilic components are DNA and RNA; the latter includes messenger RNA and ribosomes.The youngest red blood cells in the blood circulation contain a basophilic reticulum (network) in their cytoplasm; this is composed of messenger and ribosomal RNA. The network is slowly dissolved over the first 24h of the cell’s life in the circulation. This readily identifiable red cell type is called the reticulocyte.