Metachromasia (metachromasia, metachromatism)

Metachromasia is a phenomenon in which a dye stains various tissues and cells a color different from the dye's own color.

Metachromasia manifests itself in the fact that when fabric is dyed with a certain dye, for example toluidine blue, some elements of the fabric acquire a color that is contrasting with the background. Thus, when stained with toluidine blue, cartilage tissue acquires a pink-violet tint, while the background remains blue.

The phenomenon of metachromasia is due to the ability of some cellular structures, in particular cartilage tissue, to form insoluble compounds of a different color with dyes.

The term "metachromatic" is used to describe tissues and cells that exhibit metachromasia. For example, cartilage tissue is metachromatic because when stained it changes color compared to the dye.

Thus, metachromasia is a change in the color of tissues and cells when using certain dyes, caused by the formation of chemical compounds of a different color. This important histochemical property is used to identify and study various structures.

Metachromatic properties of tissues and cells

Metachromatic properties of a fabric are the ability of a dye to change the color of a fabric when dyed. This property can occur in various tissues and cells, depending on their chemical composition and structure.

1. Dye properties
   A dye is a substance that is used to color tissues and cells. It consists of a dye molecule that binds to tissue or cell molecules and changes its color.

2. Change in fabric color when dyeing
   When dyeing fabric with dye, the color of the fabric may change depending on its structure and chemical composition. For example, some fabrics may be more sensitive to certain dyes than others.

3. Metachromatic coloring
   Abnormal coloration of fabric that occurs when using a dye of the same color is called metachromatic coloration. This occurs due to changes in the structure of the fabric under the influence of the dye.

4. Application of metachromatic properties
   Metachromatic staining is used in medicine to diagnose various diseases. For example, metachromatic staining of cancer tissue can help determine its type and stage of development.

5. Problems with metachromatic properties
   However, metachromatic properties can be used for other purposes, such as creating new materials or paints. However, in this case it is necessary to take into account possible risks to human health.

Metachromation is one of the unique properties of living tissues. It lies in the ability to dye different elements and fabrics in different colors, which differ from the color of the dye used for dyeing. This property was first described by Hempelmann Funano in 1956, but did not gain recognition until the early to mid-20th century.