page_title: Cytochrome c
section_title: As an antioxidative enzyme
hierarchical_section_title: Cytochrome c / Function / As an antioxidative enzyme
caption_attribution_description: English: Organic redox reaction scheme for Cytochrome c mediating the oxidation of superoxide into oxygen with hydrogen peroxide becoming hydroxide
context_page_description: 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 and plays a major role in cell apoptosis. Cytochrome c is highly water-soluble, unlike other cytochromes, and is an essential component of the electron transport chain, where it carries one electron. It is capable of undergoing oxidation and reduction as its iron atom converts between the ferrous and ferric forms, but does not bind oxygen. It transfers electrons between Complexes III and IV. In humans, cytochrome c is encoded by the CYCS gene.
context_section_description: Cytochrome c is known to play a role in the electron transport chain and cell apoptosis. However, a recent study has shown that it can also act as an antioxidative enzyme in the mitochondria; and it does so by removing superoxide (O₂–) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from mitochondria. Therefore, not only is cytochrome c required in the mitochondria for cell respiration, but it is also needed in the mitochondria to limit the production of O₂– and H₂O₂.
caption: Removal of O2− and H2O2 by cytochrome c
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