Apoptosis is associated with the fragmentation of chromosomal DNA into approximately 180-bp nucleosome fragments. The ApopLadder Ex kit permits the selective extraction of small, fragmented DNA from apoptotic cells while minimizing chromatin contamination. This kit also supports highly sensitive detection and quantitation of fragmented DNA. Detection of fragmented DNA following extraction can be performed via a DNA fragmentation assay involving gel electrophoresis, with gel-band quantification enabled by intercalating green dye fluorescent staining. The ApopLadder Ex kit contains the necessary reagents for cell lysis, enzymatic degradation of protein and RNA, precipitation of DNA fragments, and a 6X loading dye for gel electrophoresis.