The Apoptotic DNA Ladder kit contains all of the reagents necessary for the preparation of cellular fractions for the production of apoptosis nucleosomal DNA ladders. The kit does not require the use of toxic phenol. The protocol involves: cell lysis; removal of cellular debris; and precipitation of nucleosomal DNA. Nucleosomal DNA is detected after standard 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis. The protocol provides the choice of preparing nucleosomal DNA ladder either with or without genomic DNA. The kit is suitable for preparing up to 100 apoptotic ladders.