Cytochrome c oxidase catalyzes the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen. This process involves a series of redox reactions that ultimately lead to the reduction of O2 to H2O. The enzyme contains multiple redox-active centers, including heme groups and copper ions, which facilitate this electron transfer. The catalytic mechanism involves the coupling of electron transfer with proton pumping across the mitochondrial membrane, contributing to the proton gradient used to synthesize ATP.
