Histochemistry involves the differential staining of cells (i.e., using dyes that stain specific structural and molecular components) to reflect the chemical differences of the constituents.

What is histological staining and why is it used?

Staining is used to highlight important features of the tissue as well as to enhance the tissue contrast. Hematoxylin is a basic dye that is commonly used in this process and stains the nuclei giving it a bluish color while eosin (another stain dye used in histology) stains the cell’s nucleus giving it a pinkish stain.

What is histochemical reaction?

Histochemistry refers to procedures in which tissue sections act as the medium in which biochemical reactions are carried out by the addition of substrates, inhibitors, or other chemicals.