Cytochrome c-Oxidase

Cytochrome c-oxidase is a very important, but very complex metalloenzyme. It contains protein bound copper and magnesium ions as well as iron haem centers.

It is situated in a membrane as the last member of the respiratory chain, which allows a controlled separation (separate transport of e^- and H⁺) during the relevant redox process.

This function is made possible by the exact spatial arrangement of the metal centers.