Based on the dye cresyl violet and the caspase 3/7 DEVD peptide recognition sequence, this kit allows the detection of caspases 3 and 7 in living cells by fluorescence microscopy.

Once cells are grown, and apoptosis induced, staining is completed in just a few minutes. Hoechst 33342 and Acridine Orange are also included to allow visualization of nuclei and lysosomes.

A consistant feature of mammalian cell apoptosis is the activation of caspases 3 and/or 7. When cleaved by caspase 3 or 7, the mono and unsubstituted cresyl violet fluoresce when excited at 550-590 nm.