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Question 332
Physiology → Haematology
Classification
Question
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A granulocyte is identified by fine cytoplasmic granules that react with both acidic and basic stains. Which cell is most consistent with this staining behaviour?
Question Stem
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Options
A
Eosinophil
B
Neutrophil
C
Basophil
D
Monocyte
E
Lymphocyte
Explanation
Neutrophils are granulocytes whose cytoplasmic granules take up both acidic and basic stains. Eosinophil granules take up acidic stain, whereas basophil granules take up basic stain.
Option Validity
A) Eosinophil granules take up acidic stain rather than both acidic and basic stains.
C) Basophil granules take up basic stain and characteristically stain purple-blue with methylene blue.
D) Monocytes are agranulocytes and therefore do not have the granulocyte staining pattern described.
E) Lymphocytes are agranulocytes and do not possess the cytoplasmic granules defining this cell.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 3: Physiology – Haematology. p.69.