What is the function of cytochrome c?

Cytochrome c is primarily known for its function in the mitochondria as a key participant in the life-supporting function of ATP synthesis. However, when a cell receives an apoptotic stimulus, cytochrome c is released into the cytosol and triggers programmed cell death through apoptosis.

What is cytochrome c easy definition?

Cytochrome c is a heme protein that is localized in the compartment between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes where it functions to transfer electrons between complex III and complex IV of the respiratory chain.

What is the role of cytochrome c in apoptosis?

Mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) has been found to have dual functions in controlling both cellular energetic metabolism and apoptosis. Through interaction with apoptotic protease activating factors (Apaf), cyt c can initiate the activation cascade of caspases once it is released into the cytosol.

What is another name for cytochrome c?

Cytochrome c

Where can cytochrome c be found?

mitochondrial intermembrane
In healthy cells, cytochrome c (Cyt c) is located in the mitochondrial intermembrane/intercristae spaces, where it functions as an electron shuttle in the respiratory chain and interacts with cardiolipin (CL).

How many cytochrome c do humans have?

As the terminal component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, cytochrome c oxidase plays a vital role in cellular energy transformation. Human cytochrome c oxidase is composed of 13 subunits.

How are cytochromes reduced?

Cytochromes are, thus, capable of performing electron transfer reactions and catalysis by reduction or oxidation of their heme iron. The cellular location of cytochromes depends on their function. They can be found as globular proteins and membrane proteins.

Do bacteria contain cytochrome c?

The enzyme cytochrome c oxidase or Complex IV, EC 1.9.3.1, is a large transmembrane protein complex found in bacteria, archaea, and the mitochondria of eukaryotes. It is the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain of cells located in the membrane.

What does cytochrome c group mean?

Cytochrome c is a component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria . The heme group of cytochrome c accepts electrons from the bc 1 complex and transfers electrons to the complex IV. Cytochrome c is also involved in initiation of apoptosis.

Is cytochrome c positively charged?

The cytochromes c of eukaryotes are all positively charged proteins, with strong dipoles, while the systems from which cytochrome c accepts electrons, cytochrome reductase, and to which cytochrome c delivers electrons, cytochrome oxidase , are negatively charged.

What is a cytochrome complex?

The cytochrome complex, or cyt c is a small hemeprotein found loosely associated with the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. It belongs to the cytochrome c family of proteins. Cytochrome c is highly water-soluble, unlike other cytochromes, and is an essential component of the electron transport chain, where it carries one electron.