Which white blood cell type stains bluish-purple and has a nucleus similar to monocytes?

The correct answer is basophils, which are a type of white blood cell characterized by their distinct staining properties and their structural similarities to monocytes. Basophils contain large granules that often obscure their nucleus, which can appear similar in shape to that of monocytes, albeit smaller. When stained using certain dyes, the granules of basophils pick up a bluish-purple hue, allowing them to be distinguished from other white blood cells.

Understanding the specific characteristics of basophils is critical, as they play an essential role in the immune response, particularly in inflammatory reactions and allergies. Their granules contain histamine and other mediators that contribute to these processes.

In contrast, eosinophils typically stain reddish-orange and are more involved in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Neutrophils, which are the most abundant type of white blood cell, appear with a neutral pink color on staining due to their granules and have a multi-lobed nucleus, making them quite distinct from both basophils and monocytes. Monocytes, while similar to basophils in that they have a large nucleus and lack the granules found in other white blood cells, typically do not display the same bluish-purple color and