The two large cells in the center are basophilic normoblasts. They are generally smaller (about 10 - 15 micrometers in diameter) than pronormoblasts. The cytoplasm is basophilic due to its high RNA content. The nucleii are red in color and beginning to condense. The cell on the right is a polychromatophilic normoblast. The cell is getting smaller (8 - 12 micrometers in diameter) as it matures. The nucleus is dense and dark purple in color. The cytoplasm is staining light purple due to the presence of both RNA and beginning hemoglobin production. The cell on the lower left is an early orthochromic normoblast.