Histopathology basics · USMLE Step 1

In an H&E-stained section, which of the following components would typically appear pink (eosinophilic)?

  1. Densely packed chromatin in cell nuclei
  2. Ribosomal RNA within the nucleolus
  3. Collagen fibers and cytoplasmic proteins
  4. Strands of mitochondrial DNA
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Correct answer: Collagen fibers and cytoplasmic proteins

Eosin stains cytoplasmic proteins and extracellular matrix components (like collagen) pink to red (eosinophilic), whereas basophilic dyes (like hematoxylin) stain nuclei and nucleic acids blue-purple.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 22

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