The key integral membrane protein cytochrome C oxidase is encoded by the mitochondrial genome.
It facilitates the transport of electrons from molecular oxygen to cytochrome C's reduced state.
It comprises 13 subunits and contains two heme groups and three copper ions, arranges as two copper centers.
One of the key regulatory enzymes for oxidative phosphorylation, cytochrome c oxidase, also known as complex IV, catalyzes the last step in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
Both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes regulate this enzyme.
Cytochrome C oxidase is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane.