Question

How does cytochrome c work?

Answer 1

Cytochrome c:

1. Cytochromes are a group of proteins containing a heme group.
2. There are four types of cytochromes- cytochrome a, cytochrome b, cytochrome c, and cytochrome d.
3. Cytochrome c is a water-soluble electron transport protein loosely attached to the inner membrane of the mitochondria.
4. It helps in the transport of electrons in the electron transport system (ETS) in mitochondria.
5. It is a movable electron carrier.
6. The heme group acts as the electron carrier.
7. The ETS is made up of four complexes- complex I, complex II, complex III, and complex IV. These complexes are made up of proteins.
8. Cytochrome c transfers one electron at a time via its heme group from the third complex to the fourth complex of the electron transport chain.
9. An electron is accepted by cytochrome c from complex III.
10. It undergoes oxidation and transports the electron to complex IV as shown below: