Protonation-State-Dependent Communication in Cytochrome c Oxidase

Proton transfer in cytochrome c oxidase from the cellular inside to the binuclear redox center (BNC) can occur through two distinct pathways, the D- and K-channels. For the protein to function as both a redox enzyme and a proton pump, proton transfer into the protein toward the BNC or toward a proton loading site (and ultimately through the membrane) must be highly regulated. The PR → F transition is the first step in a catalytic cycle that requires proton transfer from the bulk at the N-side to the BNC.

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