Basophils are characterized by which type of staining?

Basophils are a type of white blood cell and are characterized by their affinity for basic stains during histological examination. The granules in basophils contain substances such as heparin and histamine, which are positively charged and bind to negatively charged molecules found in basic dyes. This causes the granules to appear dark blue or purple when stained with such dyes, making them easily identifiable under a microscope.

The basic staining affinity is significant because it helps differentiate basophils from other types of leukocytes in a blood smear, such as eosinophils, which are more likely to pick up acidic stains due to their granules having a different chemical composition. Understanding the specific staining characteristics of basophils is crucial in both clinical diagnostics and research contexts, as it allows for accurate identification and enumeration of these cells in various physiological and pathological conditions.