Activation of cancer cell apoptosis and understanding its working mechanism play a critical role in formulating effective cancer treatment strategies. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluations of a selenium-containing fluorescent apoptotic agent MPSE. MPSE enabled the tracking and imaging of cancer cell apoptosis process. Its emission at 550 nm turned off in the presence of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in mitochondria, by forming a non-emissive compound MP. This emission "turn-off" phenomenon allows the monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced mitochondria ...