Cytochrome c oxidase: Exciting progress and remaining mysteries

Peter Brzezinski, Robert B. Gennis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Cytochrome c oxidase generates a proton motive force by two separate mechanisms. The first mechanism is similar to that postulated by Peter Mitchell, and is based on electrons and protons used to generate water coming from opposite sides of the membrane. The second mechanism was not initially anticipated, but is now firmly established as a proton pump. A brief review of the current state of our understanding of the proton pump of cytochrome oxidase is presented. We have come a long way since the initial observation of the pump by Mårten Wikström in 1977, but a number of essential questions remain to be answered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)521-531
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Copper
  • Cytochrome
  • Energy coupling
  • Heme
  • Oxidase
  • Proton
  • Pump
  • Redox

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology

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