Question

Caspases are proteases that can be activated by binding to cytochrome C. How is binding to cytochrome C regulated?

Answer 1

Binding of cytochrome C to caspases is regulated through a series of steps. Initially, cytochrome C molecules exit the intermembrane space of mitochondria and detach from the cristal membrane. In the cytosol, cytochrome C binds to adaptor proteins, forming a cytochrome C-adaptor complex. This complex has a high affinity for an inactive procaspase, which leads to the release of an active caspase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The binding of cytochrome C to caspases is regulated through a series of steps. Initially, cytochrome C molecules exit the intermembrane space of mitochondria and detach from the cristal membrane. Then, in the cytosol, cytochrome C binds to adaptor proteins, forming a cytochrome C-adaptor complex. This complex has a high affinity for an inactive procaspase. The binding of procaspase to the cytochrome C-adaptor complex causes an allosteric change in the procaspase, leading to the release of an active caspase.