The set contains 5 ready-to-use chemical reagents that induce apoptosis through different mechanisms. Actinomycin D, an antineoplastic antibiotic, inhibits RNA synthesis. Camptothecin, an inhibitor of nuclear topoisomerase, induces apoptosis in many types of cells. Cycloheximide, an active antibiotic against many yeast and fungi, inhibits protein synthesis. Dexamethasone, an active and highly stable glucocorticoid, probably induces apoptosis by binding and activating the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor. Etoposide, a derivative of podophyllotoxin, inhibits topoisomerase activity.