Staining Methods for Assessing Protoplast Viability Staining methods are essential for determining the viability and functional status of protoplasts. The most commonly used methods include: 1. Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) Staining Method Principle: FDA is a dye that passes through the plasma membrane of viable cells and accumulates inside. Once inside, it is hydrolyzed by cellular esterases, producing a fluorescent product. Procedure: Dissolve FDA in acetone to make a 0.01% solution. Add FDA to the protoplast suspension. Observe under a fluorescence microscope within 5–15 minutes. Result: Viable Protoplasts: Fluoresce yellow-green. Non-Viable Protoplasts: Do not fluoresce. Limitation: Fluorescence diminishes after 15 minutes due to dissociation from membranes. 2. Phenosafranine Staining Principle: Phenosafranine selectively stains dead protoplasts by penetrating ...