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An acronym for TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. DNA degradation is considered the key biochemical event in apoptosis resulting in cleavage of nuclear DNA into nucleosome-sized fragments (approximately 180 bp unit size). TUNEL can be used to test for the existance of these fragments in individual cells. The principle is that DNA ends generated during apoptosis are extended by TdT using either biotin-labeled or digoxigenin-labeled BrdUrd (bromodeoxyuridine). Incorporated material will be detected by fluorescent reagents. The TUNEL method preferentially labels apoptotic compared to necrotic cells.
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