Annexin V is a Ca2 -dependent phospholipid-binding protein that specifically binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) Normally PS is localized on the inner leaflet of the cell membrane lipid bilayer During the early stages of apoptosis PS translocates from the inner leaflet to the outer surface of the cell membrane exposing it to the extracellular environment Due to Annexin V s high affinity for PS fluorescently labeled Annexin V (APC) can be used as a probe in combination with flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy for detecting apoptosis and the staining process requires only 10-20 minutes Additionally this kit can be paired with the nuclear dye propidium iodide (PI) PI specifically binds to double-stranded DNA emitting red fluorescence upon binding but it cannot normally permeate intact cell membranes However PI can penetrate compromised cellular membranes in late-stage apoptotic and dead cells staining nuclei Therefore combined staining with Annexin V-APC and PI allows