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Definition

noun

(1) Granules within cells of an organism exhibiting metachromasia

(2) Cytoplasmic inclusions that occur in many bacteria as well as some algae, fungi, and protozoa

Supplement

These granules are described metachromatic because they can take a color different from that of the dye. For example, metachromatic granules will stain pink with methylene blue.

Synonym(s):

• volutin granules
• Ernst's and Bebes granules
• polyphosphate granules