JC-1 Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Assay kit

JC-1 Assay detects the mitochondrial membrane potential changes in cells by the cationic, lipophilic JC-1 dye. In healthy cells, JC-1 enters the energized mitochondria and form aggregates which change the fluorescent property of JC-1 dye. JC-1 monomers exhibit green fluorescence whereas the JC-1 dye aggregates also called J-aggregates show intense red fluorescence. Unhealthy or apoptotic cells have low mitochondrial membrane potential. JC-1 does not form aggregates in mitochondria’s with low membrane potential and remain in monomeric form and exhibit green fluorescence. Thus higher the ratio of red to green fluorescence, the higher is the polarization of mitochondrial membrane.