Cytochromes are a class of heme-containing proteins that play critical roles in energy metabolism in animal cells. They are involved in various electron transfer reactions and redox processes, serving as crucial components for example of the electron transport chain (ETC) and other metabolic pathways. They participate in energy production, oxygen utilization, and detoxification, making them key players in maintaining overall cellular homeostasis and supporting various key cellular functions. The primary role of cytochromes in animal cells is their participation in electron transport chains. ETCs are localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane in animal cells and are composed of protein complexes and electron carriers that facilitate the flow of electrons through a series of redox reactions. In mitochondria, cytochrome c is an essential component of the ETC. It shuttles electrons between complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) and complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), playing a vital role in the final step of aerobic respiration, in which oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor, resulting in the formation of water. During aerobic respiration, electrons are transferred through the ETC, and the energy released is used to pump protons across the mitochondrial inner membrane, generating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient drives ATP synthesis through the action of ATP synthase, an enzyme that couples the flow of protons to the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are a specialized group of cytochromes found in the endoplasmic reticulum of animal cells. These enzymes are involved in the metabolism of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including drugs, toxins, hormones, and fatty acids. CYP enzymes catalyse oxidative reactions, leading to the hydroxylation, epoxidation, and N-, S-, and O-dealkylation of substrates. These reactions frequently result in increased water solubility of the substrates, facilitating their excretion. They are also involved in the metabolism of nitric oxide (NO), a critical signalling molecule in various physiological processes. In endothelial cells, CYP enzymes oxidize NO to nitrite or nitrate, influencing the bioavailability and signalling actions of NO in blood vessels.The first step in steroid hormone synthesis also involves the action of a specific cytochrome P450 enzyme called cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (also known as desmolase or CYP11A1). Desmolase is primarily found in the mitochondria of steroidogenic tissues such as the adrenal glands and gonads and catalyses the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, a crucial early intermediate in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones. In addition to their roles in energy production, detoxification and hormone synthesis, some cytochromes are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. Cytochrome c, for example, plays a critical role in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. During apoptosis, cytochrome c is released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, where it activates a cascade of events leading to cell death. We provide a large product catalogue of research tools for investigating cytochromes, including Cytochrome C antibodies, Cytochrome P450 2D6 antibodies, Cytochrome P450 3A4 antibodies, HNF-4-alpha antibodies, and CYP11A1 antibodies. Explore our full cytochromes product range below and discover more, for less.