InterPro domain: IPR034210

Cytochrome c Oxidase (CcO), the terminal oxidase in the respiratory chains of eukaryotes and most bacteria, is a multi-chain transmembrane protein located in the inner membrane of mitochondria and the cell membrane of prokaryotes. It catalyzes the reduction of O2 and simultaneously pumps protons across the membrane. The number of subunits varies from three to five in bacteria and up to 13 in mammalian mitochondria. Only subunits I and II are essential for function. Subunits I, II, and III of mammalian CcO are encoded within the mitochondrial genome and the remaining 10 subunits are encoded within the nuclear genome. Subunit II contains a copper-copper binuclear site called CuA, which is believed to be involved in electron transfer from cytochrome c to the binuclear centre (active site) in subunit I [ 1 , 2 ].

1. Structure of cytochrome c oxidase: a comparison of the bacterial and mitochondrial enzymes. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1544, 1-9
2. Molecular mechanism of proton translocation by cytochrome c oxidase. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 10, 1-29