Question

What is the function of cytochrome c oxidase?

Answer 1

Cytochrome c:

1. Cytochrome c is the second mobile electron carrier.
2. A soluble heme-containing protein in the intermembrane space.
3. Heme iron can be either ferric (Fe³⁺, oxidized) or ferrous (Fe²⁺, reduced)
4. Cytochrome c carries a single electron from the cytochrome bc₁ complex to the cytochrome oxidase to a binuclear copper center.

The function of cytochrome c oxidase:

1. The Cytochrome c oxidases are the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain of the mitochondria.
2. The main function is to convert molecular oxygen to water and aid in establishing mitochondrial membrane potential.
3. Cytochrome c oxidase is located in the inner membrane and also separates the mitochondrial matrix from the intermembrane space.
4. One of the ways cell apoptosis is activated is by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria in the cytosol.
5. Cytochrome c is known to play an important role in the electron transport chain cell apoptosis.