Electron transfer pathways in cytochrome c oxidase.

ABSTRACT: Mixed quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics calculations were used to explore the electron pathway of the terminal electron transfer enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase. This enzyme catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water in a multiple step process. Density functional calculations on the three redox centers allowed for the characterization of the electron transfer mechanism, following the sequence Cu(A)?heme a?heme a(3). This process is largely affected by the presence of positive charges, confirming the possibility of a proton coupled electron transfer. An extensive mapping of all residues involved in the electron transfer, between the Cu(A) center (donor) and the O(2) reduction site heme a(3)-Cu(B) (receptor), was obtained by selectively activating/deactivating different quantum regions. The method employed, called QM/MM e-pathway, allowed the identification of key residues along the possible electron transfer paths, consistent with experimental data. In particular, the role of arginines 481 and 482 appears crucial in the Cu(A)?heme a and in the heme a?heme a(3) electron transfer processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Allosteric cooperativity in respiratory proteins.

SUBMITTER: Lucas MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3132828 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature