Description
This gene encodes cytochrome c, a component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria. The heme group of cytochrome c accepts electrons from the b-c1 complex and transfers electrons to the cytochrome oxidase complex. Cytochrome c is also involved in initiation of apoptosis. Upon release of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm, the protein binds apoptotic protease activating factor which activates the apoptotic initiator procaspase 9. Many cytochrome c pseudogenes exist, scattered throughout the human genome