The purpose of staining cells on a microscope slide is to:

• A. enhance the growth rate of the cells
• B. increase the contrast between the cells and the background
• C. prevent the cells from dividing
• D. remove all water from the cells

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of staining in microscopy: staining is used to make cells more visible under a microscope by increasing the difference in appearance between the cells and their background.
2. Recall that cells are often transparent and difficult to see clearly without staining, so stains bind to specific cell components to provide color and contrast.
3. Recognize that staining does not affect the growth rate of cells, nor does it prevent cell division or remove water from the cells; these are unrelated to the staining process.
4. Identify that the main goal of staining is to increase the contrast between the cells and the background, making cellular structures easier to observe and study.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the option that states staining increases the contrast between the cells and the background.