Mitochondrial membrane potential, Δψm, is an important parameter of mitochondrial function that is used as an indicator of cell health. JC-1 is a lipophilic, cationic dye that can selectively enter into mitochondria and reversibly change color from green to red as the membrane potential increases. In healthy cells with high mitochondrial Δψm, JC-1 spontaneously forms complexes known as J-aggregates with intense red fluorescence. On the other hand, in apoptotic or unhealthy cells with low Δψm, JC-1 remains in the monomeric form, which shows only green fluorescence.