JC-1 is widely used in biomedical research as a fluorescent dye to assess mitochondrial health and function. It is particularly valuable in studying mitochondrial membrane potential, a key indicator of cellular energy status and apoptosis. When applied to cells, JC-1 accumulates in mitochondria and exhibits a color shift from green to red fluorescence as the membrane potential increases. This property allows researchers to distinguish between healthy, high-potential mitochondria and depolarized, low-potential mitochondria. It is commonly employed in studies related to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug toxicity, where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role. Additionally, JC-1 is utilized in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy to monitor changes in mitochondrial activity in response to various cellular stimuli or treatments.