Meltzer's reagent
Meltzer's reagent (noun,no plural) – an iodine solution in 50% aqueous chloral hydrate, a test reagent for amyloid or dextrinoid colour reactions, often preferred by mycologist because of its clearing effect on fungal plectenchyma. In contrast, Lugol's solution, a reagent usually preferred by lichenologists, has no clearing effect on fungal plectenchyma and is therefore often used together with 5-10% potassium hydroxide (KOH). The colour reactions of both reagents are similar but not identical. Dextrinoid reactions can only be observed if tested with Meltzer's reagent, hemi- and euamyloid reactions can only be observed if tested with Lugol's solution.
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