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cytochrome

cytochrome

1 9.1
A protein in cells that helps move electrons during respiration
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪtəˌkroʊm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : citocromo
  • In cellular respiration, cytochromes play a crucial role by transferring electrons to help produce ATP.
  • cytochrome P450
  • cytochrome P450 enzymes
  • cytochrome oxidase

Examples

  • Sequence differences as well as the system of cytochrome b gene of mitochondria of four sheep breeds were analyzed by Zhang et al. (2005).

    Academic text (2014)
  • The very specific pattern of errors in the cytochrome C could only have come from our textbook.

  • Those elect as electrons are transferred into the next complex, which is called cytochrome BF.

  • The rodent phylogeny is based on cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA sequence.

    Academic text (2002)
  • But Wang demonstrated that if a mitochondrion is punctured, cytochrome c is released into the cytoplasm, where it activates the deadly caspases.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The function of cytochrome c is vital for the electron transport chain in mitochondria, facilitating energy production.

  • Research shows that cytochrome P450 enzymes are important for metabolizing many medications in the human body.

Synonyms

hemoprotein
vscytochrome
  • Specialized
8.8

A protein with a small iron part that helps carry oxygen or make energy in cells

is a narrower group specialized to transfer electrons during cellular respiration

Compounds

cytochrome c
  • Specialized
5.5

A small protein in mitochondria that helps move energy in cells

Surface Forms

cytochrome singular
cytochromes plural

Morphology

cytochrome = cyto + chrome (opaque) = cyto + chrome

The components correspond to recognizable scientific combining forms ('cyto-' = cell, '-chrome' = color/colour), but they are bound/scientific morphemes rather than everyday words.

Etymology

The word cytochrome starts with cyto- from the Greek kytos meaning 'cell' and ends with -chrome from chroma meaning 'color', as in monochrome. Cytochromes are colored proteins in cells that help pass electrons during respiration, so the name points to the 'colored parts in cells' that move energy.