General description
Research area: Apoptosis
Cytochrome c (Cyt C) is an essential mitochondrial protein located in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It is encoded in the nucleus as apo-cytochrome C. Cyt C occurs as membrane-bound or as soluble metalloproteins in energy-transducing membranes and is found in bacteria, archaea, and plastids. It belongs to the group of class IIa cytochromes and contains pentacoordinate heme centres.
Application
Cytochrome C from bovine heart has been used:
- as a component of the assay solution for testing the activity of respiratory chain complexes III and IV in the mitochondria of human osteosarcoma and human hepatocarcinoma cell lines
- to determine the cytochrome c oxidase activity in mitochondria of human aortic endothelial cells
- as a component of the cyt C oxidase reaction solution during in situ enzyme staining of cyt C oxidase in mice kidney tissues
Biochem/physiol Actions
Cytochrome C (Cyt C) is involved in the activation of caspase during the caspase-dependent apoptosis intrinsic pathway that triggers programmed cell death through apoptosis. It shows lipid-binding activity through its interaction with cardiolipin that accounts for the peroxidase activity of Cyt C. Cyt C binds to heme via the help of cytochrome c heme lyase that enables its release into the mitochondrial intermembrane space.
The ready interconversion of cytochrome c between ferrous and ferric states makes it an efficient biological electron carrier. It plays a vital role in cellular oxidations in both plants and animals. Generally regarded as a universal link in the respiratory chain, it forms the essential electron-bridge between the respirable substrates and oxygen.
Preparation Note
Prepared with acetic acid without using TCA.
Other Notes
View more information on cytochrome c and electron transport at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer.
- UPC:
- 12352207
- Condition:
- New
- Weight:
- 1.00 Ounces
- HazmatClass:
- No
- WeightUOM:
- LB
- MPN:
- C3131-100MG
