Our Cell Meter live cell caspases activity assay kits are based on fluorescent FMK inhibitors of caspases· These inhibitors are cell permeable and non-cytotoxic· Once inside the cell, the caspase inhibitors bind covalently to the active caspases· The activation of caspase 3/7 is important for the initiation of apoptosis· It has been proven that caspase 3/7 has substrate selectivity for the peptide sequence Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD)· This kit uses FAM-DEVD-FMK as a fluorescent indicator for caspase 3/7 activity· FAM-DEVD-FMK irreversibly binds to activated caspase 3/7 in apoptotic cells· Once bound to caspase 3/7, the fluorescent reagent is retained inside the cell· The binding event inhibits caspase 3/7 but will not stop apoptosis from proceeding· There are a variety of parameters that can be used for monitoring cell apoptosis· This Cell Meter Live Cell Caspase 3/7 Activity Assay Kit is designed to detect cell apoptosis by measuring caspase 3/7 activation in live cells· It is used for the quantification of activated caspase 3/7 activities in apoptotic cells, or for screening caspase 3/7 inhibitors· FAM-DEVD-FMK, the green label reagent, allows for direct detection of activated caspase 3/7 in apoptotic cells by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometer, or fluorescent microplate reader· The kit provides all the essential components with an optimized assay protocol·