Q. A sample was given to the lab technician for figuring out whether the cells of the sample come under the category of prokaryote or eukaryote. Four of the dyes are described in the table below are available to the lab tech for the determining process.
Dye Test
Acridine orange stains DNA and RNA
Osmium tetroxide stains lipids
Eosin stains cell cytoplasm
Nile blue stains cell nuclei

Predict the stain that was used by the lab technician that help her identify whether sample cells will come under the group of prokaryote or eukaryote.

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Solution:

The eukaryotic cell has a defined nucleus where it is absent in the prokaryotic cells. Thus, best would be for the lab tech to use the Nile blue dye which will stain the nuclei. Since nuclei are absent in prokaryote, there will no successful staining whereas the eukaryote will get stained and help determine the type of cell sample. DNA, lipids, and cytoplasm is commonly found in both the cell types.