How do viability stains usually distinguish between living cells and dead cells?
A) The chemical stain is taken up by living cells and once metabolized becomes fluorogenic.
B) The dye specifically targets intact cytoplasmic membranes.
C) The chemical fluoresces only when bound to ribosomes that are actively synthesizing proteins.
D) The dye's fluorescence is quenched by dead cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Viability stains usually distinguish between living cells and dead cells by targeting intact cytoplasmic membranes. The stains are usually impermeable to intact membranes of living cells but can penetrate damaged membranes of dead cells, resulting in the staining of the cytoplasmic contents. Therefore, live cells appear unstained while dead cells appear stained.

How Do Viability Stains Usually Distinguish Between Living Cells and Dead