FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with PI

BioLegend's FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with PI has been specifically designed for the identification of apoptotic and necrotic cells.Annexin V (or Annexin A5) is a member of the annexin family of intracellular proteins that binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) in a calcium-dependent manner. PS is normally only found on the intracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane in healthy cells, but during early apoptosis, membrane asymmetry is lost and PS translocates to the external leaflet. Fluorochrome-labeled Annexin V can then be used to specifically target and identify apoptotic cells. Annexin V Binding Buffer is recommended for use with Annexin V staining. Annexin V binding alone cannot differentiate between apoptotic and necrotic cells. To help distinguish between the necrotic and apoptotic cells we recommend use of our Propidium Iodide Solution (PI). Early apoptotic cells will exclude PI, while late stage apoptotic cells and necrotic cells will stain positively, due to the passage of these dyes into the nucleus where they bind to DNA.Propidium iodide is a fluorescent dye that binds to DNA. When excited by 488 nm laser light, it can be detected with 562-588 nm band pass filter. It is commonly used in evaluation of cell viability or DNA content in cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry.