Why are stains useful in microscopy?

Stains are valuable tools in microscopy primarily because they help visualize transparent structures and enable researchers to distinguish between different components within a specimen. Many biological samples are inherently clear or translucent, making it challenging to observe their details under a microscope without enhancement. By applying stains, specific cellular components can absorb the dyes, thereby increasing contrast and allowing for clearer observation of structures like cell walls, nuclei, and organelles.

Staining techniques can also be tailored to bind to particular cellular elements or types of tissues, which allows for precise identification and study of various structures. This capability is crucial in histology, microbiology, and other fields where understanding the morphology and distribution of cellular components is essential for research and diagnosis. Therefore, option C reflects the primary purpose of staining in microscopy—enhancing the visibility of transparent features and allowing differentiation among various cellular components.