Question

How does cytochrome c cause apoptosis?

Answer 1

Cytochromes:

1. Cytochromes are proteins that contain a haem group.
2. They aid in electron transport in the mitochondrial electron transport system and carry out redox reactions in the cells.
3. They are also known as haem-proteins due to the presence of the haem group.

Apoptosis:

1. Apoptosis is a type of cell death in which a predetermined sequence of cells dies without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding environment.
2. Cell suicide is another term for programmed cell death.

Cytochrome C and apoptosis:

1. Cytochrome C is released into the cytoplasm during cell apoptosis.
2. Cytochrome C binds to AIF (Apoptosis Induction Factor).
3. The Cytochrome C-AIF then aggregates to form the apoptosome and activates the caspase-9 in a chain reaction that results in more and more activated caspase-9.
4. They, in turn, degrade cellular components.