Cytochrome oxidase as a proton pump
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Updated: Oct 20, 2026

Single Liposome Measurements for the Study of Proton-Pumping Membrane Enzymes Using Electrochemistry and Fluorescent Microscopy
Published on: February 21, 2019
1Department of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of Essex, Colchester, U.K.
Abstract:
The general structure of cytochrome oxidase is reviewed and evidence that the enzyme acts as a redox-linked proton pump outlined. The overall H+/e- stoichiometry of the pump is discussed and results [Wikström (1989), Nature 338, 293] which suggest that only the final two electrons which reduce the peroxide adduct to water are coupled to protein translocated are considered in terms of the restrictions they place on pump mechanisms. "Direct" and "indirect" mechanisms for proton translocation are discussed in the context of evidence for redox-linked conformational changes in the enzyme, the role of subunit III, and the nature of the CuA site.
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