Alternative oxidase
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The alternative oxidase (AOX) is an enzyme that forms part of the electron transport chain in mitochondria of different organisms.[1][2] Proteins homologous to the mitochondrial oxidase and the related plastid terminal oxidase have also been identified in bacterial genomes.[3][4]
Quick Facts Identifiers, Symbol ...
Alternative oxidase | |||||||||
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Identifiers | |||||||||
Symbol | AOX | ||||||||
Pfam | PF01786 | ||||||||
InterPro | IPR002680 | ||||||||
OPM superfamily | 357 | ||||||||
OPM protein | 3w54 | ||||||||
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Also matches plastid terminal oxidase and bacterial AOX. |
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The oxidase provides an alternative route for electrons passing through the electron transport chain to reduce oxygen. However, as several proton-pumping steps are bypassed in this alternative pathway, activation of the oxidase reduces ATP generation. This enzyme was first identified as a distinct oxidase pathway from cytochrome c oxidase as the alternative oxidase is resistant to inhibition by the poison cyanide.[5]