Several techniques are used to study apoptosis in the lab, including flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Western blotting. Flow cytometry can quantify apoptotic cells by detecting changes in membrane integrity and the externalization of phosphatidylserine. The TUNEL assay detects DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, while Western blotting can measure the levels of apoptotic proteins such as caspases and Bcl-2 family members.
