Analysis of DNA Fragmentation Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Shailaja Kasibhatla et al. This protocol provides a qualitative method for assessing cell death by detecting DNA fragments using agarose gel electrophoresis. One of the classic features of apoptosis is the cleavage of the genomic DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments represented by multiples of 180-200 bp. Visualizing these fragments can aid in characterizing an apoptotic event. May be combined with more quantitative methods.