Electron transfer to from cytochrome c to molecular Oxygen in the process of oxidative phosphorylation
Explanation:
Cytochrome c is a protein which is involved in the electron transport chain for the production of ATP molecules during then process of respiration. It a soluble protein found in the intermembrane space of the mitochondria. It receives electrons from ubiquinone at Complex III of the electron transport chain and transfers this electron to molecular oxygen through its interaction with complex IV or cytochrome c oxidase, reducing molecular oxygen to water.
If the interaction of cytochrome c with cytochrome c oxidase is inhibited, the process of elctron transfer to oxygen will be inhibited and, so ATP synthesis will cease.
Ultimately, respiration will be inhibited resulting in death of the organism. For example, cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase resulting in death of the organism poisoned with cyanide.
