Abstract
Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) represents the main oxygen acceptor for respiration of aerobic organisms. The energy of respiration is stored via oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in ATP, the general energy intermediate in living cells, or released as heat. During evolution from bacteria to mammals the complexity of OxPhos regulation increased at COX by increasing the number of subunits, by expression of subunit isoforms which are specific for tissues, developmental stages, and oxygen concentrations, and by reversible phosphorylation. The essential function of the “supernumerary” subunits became evident in patients with mitochondrial disease related to COX-deficiency, based on mutations in these subunit genes. While the basic regulation of energy transduction in OxPhos was explained by the Mitchell theory, an additional regulation of respiration and ATP synthesis was discovered in eukaryotic organisms, based on reversible and membrane potential-independent inhibition of COX activity at high ATP/ADP ratios. So far, only some of the complex regulatory functions of nuclear-encoded subunits were uncovered.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
