Sigma-Aldrich Cytochrome c from bovine heart

Cytochrome c (Cyt C) is an essential mitochondrial protein that plays a pivotal role in the electron transport chain (ETC) within mitochondria. It is involved in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, facilitating the activation of caspase during cell death. Cytochrome c is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane and exists as both a soluble metalloprotein and a membrane-bound protein in energy-transducing membranes, and is found across a variety of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and plastids.

Cytochrome c is encoded in the nucleus as apo-cytochrome c and has pentacoordinate heme centers that allow it to function efficiently in electron transport. It is a key component in the catalysis of cellular respiration, acting as an electron carrier between respirable substrates and oxygen in both plants and animals.

Applications:

1. Mitochondrial Studies:
   • Used in assays for testing the activity of respiratory chain complexes III and IV in mitochondria, particularly in human osteosarcoma and hepatocarcinoma cell lines.
2. Cytochrome C Oxidase Activity:
   • Used in determining cytochrome c oxidase activity in the mitochondria of human aortic endothelial cells.
3. In Situ Enzyme Staining:
   • A component of the cytochrome c oxidase reaction solution during enzyme staining of cytochrome c oxidase in mouse kidney tissues.
4. Apoptosis Research:
   • Essential for understanding the caspase-dependent apoptosis intrinsic pathway that induces programmed cell death through apoptosis.
5. Biochemical and Physiological Studies:
   • The lipid-binding activity of Cyt C through its interaction with cardiolipin accounts for its peroxidase activity.

Biochemical/Physiological Actions:

• Electron Transport:
  • Cytochrome c acts as an efficient biological electron transporter, interchanging between ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) states to facilitate cellular oxidation processes in both plants and animals.
• Link in the Respiratory Chain:
  • Regarded as a universal link in the respiratory chain, it forms the essential electron-bridge between respirable substrates and oxygen, catalyzing cellular respiration.
• Apoptosis:
  • Involved in the activation of caspases, which are critical for the initiation of programmed cell death or apoptosis.

Preparation Note:

• Prepared with acetic acid without the use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Specifications:

Applications:

• Apoptosis Research: Used to investigate programmed cell death (apoptosis) through caspase activation in mitochondrial studies.
• Mitochondrial Research: Helps test the activity of respiratory chain complexes and study mitochondrial functionality in both cancer research and endothelial cell analysis.
• Biochemical Pathway Studies: Used in studies involving lipid-binding activities and oxidative stress.
• Nanotechnology: Involved in studies of graphene oxide reduction and the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO).

Cytochrome c (from bovine heart, ≥95% purity) is an essential reagent in biochemical research, particularly for understanding mitochondrial function, cellular respiration, and apoptosis. With applications in organic chemistry, cellular biology, and material science, Cyt C plays a vital role in synthesizing energy in biological systems. Its precise and reliable properties make it an indispensable tool in clinical research and industrial applications.