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Question

Which of the following is correct regarding the quantity of stain retained by the cytoplasm in a temporary mount of onion peel?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2025 CBT 2 Heat Engine Question Paper (28-Jul-2026) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is
Very little stained

Onion Peel Cytoplasm Stain Retention

Understanding how different cell parts retain stains is crucial for microscopy.

Cytoplasm Staining in Onion Peels

When preparing a temporary mount of an onion peel, specific stains are used to enhance the visibility of cellular structures. Common stains include safranin (red) or methylene blue (blue).

  • Stain Interaction: Stains primarily bind to specific molecules within cells. The nucleus, containing DNA, typically stains intensely.
  • Onion Cell Structure: Onion epidermal cells are plant cells. Mature cells usually have a large central vacuole that occupies most of the cell volume.
  • Cytoplasm Location: Consequently, the cytoplasm is often reduced to a thin layer pressed between the cell wall and the large vacuole.
  • Observed Intensity: Due to its relatively sparse composition and peripheral location, the cytoplasm itself retains less stain compared to the nucleus. The stain may also diffuse more readily within the cytoplasm or be less attracted to its components.

This leads to the observation that the cytoplasm appears very little stained in such preparations, especially when contrasted with the more intensely stained nucleus.

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