Senescence is the phenomenon by which normal cells cease to divide. Senescence is a root cause of aging and a tumor suppressive mechanism. Senescence represents an arrested state in which the cells remain viable, but not stimulated by serum or passage to divide in culture. Senescent cells exhibit increase of cell size, change of gene expression and senescence-related expression of β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity.

 The Senescence Detection Kit provides a fast and convenient way for detection of senescence based on histochemical detection of SA-β-Gal activity in cultured cells and tissues. The SA-β-Gal exists in senescent cells but not in presenescent, quiescent or immortal cells.