Description
Annexin V-APC/PI Cell Apoptosis Detection kit is developed to identify apoptotic and necrotic cells.
Annexin V is a member of the annexin family, which binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) in a calcium-dependent manner. The fluorescent format of this intracellular protein, Annexin V-APC, binds specifically to the PS on outer leaflet of cell membrane by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.
Propidium Iodide (PI) is a common DNA dye that is not permeable to cell membrane. Once binding to DNA, the flurescence of PI increases by nearly 20 fold. Due to the loss of integrity of membrane, PI can enter late apoptotic or necrotic cells to stain DNA. Cells at different apoptotic stages can be distinguished by using Annexin V and PI