Biology A-Level
Purpose of staining
What Purpose of staining means in Biology A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Purpose of staining
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Purpose of staining in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Staining increases contrast because many biological specimens are transparent and have little natural colour, so without a stain cell structures are hard to distinguish.
Topics that use Purpose of staining
- Cell structure (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Cell structure
- Comparing cell structure across eukaryotic organisms
- Correct use of the light microscope
- Estimating real cell dimensions
- Eukaryotic cell diversity
- Exocytosis and ATP supply
- Golgi apparatus
- Intracellular and whole-cell movement
Using Purpose of staining in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Biology A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge