Cytochrome c activates apoptosis specific protease XCPP32 when being added to Xenopus laevis egg extracts, and induces apoptosis in this cell-free system. During apoptosis, cyto-skeleton proteins in egg extracts are degraded. Western blot assay indicates that 42-ku acidic keratin in egg extracts has been degraded by XCPP32. The degradation of 42-ku keratin may be crucial in apoptosis. Cytochrome c activates apoptosis-specific protease XCPP32 when being added to Xenopus laevis egg extracts, and induces apoptosis in this cell-free system. During apoptosis, cyto-skeleton proteins in egg extracts are degraded. Western blot analysis that that 42-ku acidic keratin in The degradation of 42-ku keratin may be crucial in apoptosis.