In sperm vitality testing, why do dead sperm cells appear pink or red when using an Eosin-Nigrosin stain?
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Correct answer: The damaged plasma membrane of dead cells allows the dye to enter
Eosin is a 'supravital' stain that is excluded by the intact membranes of living cells. Dead cells with compromised membranes take up the eosin and appear pink/red, while live cells remain white/clear against the dark nigrosin background.
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