Dye interactions. A basis for specific detection and histochemistry of polysaccharides.

Specific histochemical staining can be related to specific interactions of dyes and polysaccharides in solution. Specificity evidently depends upon polysaccharide conformation and the need for a close "fit" between polysaccharide and ligand. As a consequence, microscopic identification of cereal beta-(1 leads to 4)(1 leads to 3)-D-glucan and beta-(1 leads to 3)-D-glucan is possible, and is demonstrated.