Propidium iodide (PI) is a cell impermeable nucleic acid intercalating dye. Because PI is excluded from viable cells, it can be used to distinguish necrotic or late apoptotic cells with damaged plasma membranes from viable cells or early apoptotic cells with intact cell membranes. After entering cells and binding to DNA and RNA, the fluorescence of PI is enhanced 20- to 30-fold. PI can be used in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. PI is also utilized as a counterstain in multicolor fluorescent imaging, but nuclear-specific staining requires digestion of cellular RNA. Properties: Orange/red solution; Store at 4°C, protect from light; Ex/Em = 535/617 nm (with DNA); C27H34I2N4; MW: 668.4; [25535-16-4].