Cytochromes
Cytochromes
Cytochromes (/ˈsaɪtoʊkroʊmz/; from the Greek kytos meaning 'cell', and chroma meaning 'color') are a class of proteins that play a key role in cellular respiration, a process that generates energy within cells.
Etymology
The term "cytochrome" was first coined in 1925 by David Keilin, who observed the pigment that gives these proteins their characteristic color. The name is derived from the Greek words kytos (cell) and chroma (color).
Function
Cytochromes function as electron transfer agents in many metabolic pathways, particularly in the process of cellular respiration. They are part of the electron transport chain, where they facilitate the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another, ultimately leading to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main source of energy.
Types
There are several types of cytochromes, classified according to the type of heme they contain and their spectral properties. These include cytochrome a, cytochrome b, and cytochrome c, among others. Each type plays a unique role in the electron transport chain.
Related Terms
- Cellular respiration: The process by which cells generate energy, involving the transfer of electrons through a series of proteins, including cytochromes.
- Electron transport chain: A series of protein complexes and small organic molecules embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that enables the transfer of electrons from donor molecules to acceptor molecules.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): The main energy currency of the cell, produced by the process of cellular respiration.
- Heme: An iron-containing compound that forms the non-protein part of certain enzymes, including cytochromes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cytochromes
- Wikipedia's article - Cytochromes
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