CYTOCHROME BC Meaning and
Definition
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Cytochrome bc is a protein complex found in the mitochondria and bacterial membrane that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and electron transport. It is a type of electron transport chain (ETC) complex composed of two main subunits: cytochrome b and cytochrome c1.
In cellular respiration, cytochrome bc acts as an intermediate carrier of electrons between the primary electron donor, such as NADH or succinate, and the final electron acceptor, usually oxygen. This transfer of electrons is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. Additionally, this complex also helps in maintaining a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial or bacterial membrane, which is vital for ATP synthesis.
The cytochrome bc complex functions through a series of redox reactions, where electrons from the primary donors are shuttled through the cytochrome b and cytochrome c1 subunits, eventually reaching the cytochrome c protein. This process leads to the pumping of protons across the membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient that can be harnessed for ATP production.
Importantly, cytochrome bc is a target for various drugs and inhibitors used in clinical and agricultural settings. Inhibition of this protein complex disrupts ATP synthesis, leading to impaired energetic metabolism and ultimately causing detrimental effects on the organism or pathogen. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of cytochrome bc is of great importance in areas such as drug discovery, biotechnology, and bioenergetics research.
Common Misspellings for CYTOCHROME BC
- xytochrome bc
- vytochrome bc
- fytochrome bc
- dytochrome bc
- cttochrome bc
- cgtochrome bc
- chtochrome bc
- cutochrome bc
- c7tochrome bc
- c6tochrome bc
- cyrochrome bc
- cyfochrome bc
- cygochrome bc
- cyyochrome bc
- cy6ochrome bc
- cy5ochrome bc
- cytichrome bc
- cytkchrome bc
- cytlchrome bc
- cytpchrome bc
Etymology of CYTOCHROME BC
The term "cytochrome bc" is derived from the names of its component molecules: cytochrome b and cytochrome c.
Cytochrome b is a protein found in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the electron transport chain. The name "cytochrome" originates from the Greek words "kytos" meaning "cell", and "chroma" meaning "color", referring to the pigments present in these molecules. The designation "b" distinguishes it from other cytochromes, such as cytochrome a or cytochrome c.
Cytochrome c is another protein involved in electron transport found in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. The "c" designation indicates its solubility characteristics in chromatographic separation techniques.
When these two proteins form a complex, it is referred to as "cytochrome bc".
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