 Pigments present in the fungal hyphae are dissolved or react differently with various chemicals, and the color reactions may be used as taxonomic characters.When a drop of 10% aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide is applied to the cap of "B. mirabilis", the tissue turns a fleeting pink color that fades away.If a drop of commercial bleach (calcium hypochlorite) is applied, the tissue loses its color and becomes a pale blue.