The TUNEL assay

The TUNEL assay is a laboratory technique used to detect and measure programmed cell death, called apoptosis, in tissue samples. It works by identifying DNA fragments that are produced when cells undergo apoptosis. The assay uses special enzymes to label these broken DNA pieces with markers, making them visible under a microscope or measurable with other methods. This helps scientists understand how and when cells are dying in various conditions, such as during development, disease, or in response to treatments. In short, the TUNEL assay provides a way to visually and quantitatively assess cell death in tissues.