Cytochrome C. in Plants and Humans
Organisms often share more than meets the eye. While plants and animals may seem worlds apart in their biological appearance, they are interconnected in surprising ways, including the proteins they produce.
One such protein, Cytochrome C, has emerged as a prominent example of this molecular heritage.
Cytochrome C is an essential protein present in cells, playing a significant role in cellular respiration. This easily dissolved protein can be found in the mitochondria, which is the cell’s powerhouse in charge of producing ATP energy. The main function of it is in the electron transport chain, which is a sequence of biochemical reactions that take place during cellular respiration.
General Information, what is Cyt C?
How does it vary in plants and animals?
During the electron transport chain, cytochrome C serves as an electron carrier, transferring electrons from complex III to complex IV within the chain. You can see below the Cyt C protein acting in the Electron Transport Chain.
These complexes are enmeshed in the inner mitochondrial membrane. When electrons move through the chain, energy is released to move protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane and form a proton gradient. This gradient is crucial for the production of ATP, as it stimulates the ATP synthase enzyme to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP.
In addition to its function in generating energy, cytochrome C also has a crucial role in apoptosis, which is the regulated process of cell death. During apoptosis, mitochondria release cytochrome C into the cytoplasm from the cells. In this process, it engages with other proteins to kickstart a series of actions that result in cell demise. This process is closely monitored and is crucial for typical growth, maintenance of tissues, and the removal of harmed or diseased cells.
Cytochrome C is made up of one polypeptide chain that has been folded into a compact spherical form. It includes a heme group, a molecule made up of an iron atom connected by a porphyrin ring, that allows it to receive and give electrons in the electron transport chain.
Cytochrome C plays a role in two main processes in plants: photosynthesis and respiration.
In the process of photosynthesis, it plays a role in the electron transport chain within the chloroplasts, aiding in the transfer of electrons produced by light absorption in photosystems I and II, as you can see below.
During respiration, cytochrome C operates in a way that is comparable to its function in animals by taking part in the mitochondria’s electron transport chain to produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. In cellular respiration, cytochrome C plays a key role in the mitochondrial electron transport chain in humans and other animals.
Cyt C in plants and animals?
Insights from Comparative Genomics
Proteins are shared among different kingdoms.
Even though plants and animals evolved separately millions of years back, they still have many proteins in common, the main one being Cytochrome C. This common molecular background shows a shared lineage and emphasizes the interdependence of all living beings. Plants and animals, even though they have distinct physical characteristics and habits, utilize comparable molecular mechanisms for essential biological functions.
Scientists have used comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses to track the lineage of Cytochrome C from unicellular microorganisms to complex multicellular organisms. Even though Cytochrome C has undergone millions of years of evolution, its structure and function have stayed incredibly preserved, highlighting its importance in cellular metabolism.
Even though Cytochrome C plays a similar role in plants and animals (see above) by assisting in electron transport in cellular respiration, it also shows different functions. In plants, Cytochrome C plays a role not only in generating energy but also in carrying out essential functions like photosynthesis and reacting to stress. Likewise, in animals, Cytochrome C has been linked to apoptosis, or programmed cell death, emphasizing its various functions beyond energy production.
