Annexin V (or Annexin A5) is a member of the annexin family of intracellular proteins that binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) in a calcium-dependent manner. PS is normally only found on the intracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane in healthy cells, but during early apoptosis, membrane asymmetry is lost and PS translocates to the external leaflet. Fluorochrome-labeled Annexin V can then be used to specifically target and identify apoptotic cells. Annexin V Binding Buffer (Cat. No. 422201) is recommended for use with Annexin V staining. Annexin V binding alone cannot differentiate between apoptotic cells and necrotic.?Therefore, we recommend using our Helix NP? Blue (Cat. No. 425305), Helix NP? Green (Cat. No. 425303) or Helix NP? NIR (Cat. No. 425301). Early apoptotic cells will exclude 7-AAD and PI, while late stage apoptotic cells and necrotic cells will stain positively, due to the passage of these dyes into the nucleus where they bind to DNA.