[Effect of cytochrome b5 on the functional activity and conformational state of cytochrome P-450]

Microsomal cytochromes P-450 and b5 were shown to form mixed complexes with the association constant of 0.24 microM in water solution. Such complex formation stabilizes cytochrome P-450 in the catalytically active conformational state characterized by increased conformational rigidity and temperature stability. This stabilization results in acceleration of the cumene hydroperoxide-dependent oxidation of p-nitroanisol catalyzed by cytochrome P-450. The thermodynamic parameters of O-demethylation of p-nitroanisol catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 and mixed haemoprotein complexes measured in water solution and in a membrane-bound state were found to be different.