Abstract: An experimental course was set up to show how to detect apoptosis with Annexin V-FITC/PI to undergraduate students. Firstly, Etoposide (VP-16) was added to the Jurkat cells to induce the apoptosis, and then the apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit and photographed by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that viable apoptotic cells showed green fluorescence under UV excitation, while late apoptotic and non-viable non-apoptoic cell showed red fluorescence. The number of cells was normal which had been counted in the control group. The apoptosis rate of different stages of cells increased to drug concentration increased after treated with drugs. The viable apoptotic cells and late apoptotic cells accounted for the highest proportion. While the cells were killed substantially, few early apoptotic cells remained when treated with high drug concentration. This experiment combined the Annexin V-FITC/PI kit with fluorescence microscopy, breaking the limitations of experimental conditions such as teaching funds, scale and instruments. Because this method costs relatively low, it is very suitable for large classes. On the other hand, the results are intuitive, so it is convenient for the students to understand the apoptosis principles and master the assay protocols. It meets the teaching requirements for undergraduate students teaching work, featured by high comprehensive, well-designed and researched. So that this apoptosis assay method effectively improves the level and quality of cell biology experimental teaching work.

Key words: apoptosis, experimental teaching, Annexin V-FITC/PI test, fluorescence microscope, drug induction