Description

In many cell biology and mitochondrial research workflows, inconsistent detection of apoptosis signals and variable mitochondrial respiration readouts often arise from unstable or low-quality reference proteins. These issues can lead to unreliable interpretation of oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, electron transport chain activity, and caspase activation events.

Cytochrome C (CB0354) is a highly purified mitochondrial heme protein widely used as a reference standard for studying the mitochondrial electron transport chain and intrinsic apoptosis pathway. As a soluble protein located in the intermembrane space of mitochondria, Cytochrome C plays a central role in transferring electrons between Complex III and Complex IV, supporting efficient oxidative phosphorylation and ATP generation.

Beyond its metabolic function, Cytochrome C is a critical apoptosis marker protein. Upon mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, it is released into the cytosol and triggers caspase cascade activation, making it an essential tool for cell death mechanism research, mitochondrial dysfunction studies, and redox biology assays.

Specification

Product Name	Cytochrome C
Catalog No.	CB0354
CAS No.	9007-43-6
Molecular Weight	~12,588 Da
Source	Porcine heart
Form	Powder (crystalline solid)
Appearance	Crystalline solid (reddish-brown)
Purity	≥95% (HPLC)
Loss on Drying	≤5.0%
Solubility	100 g/L (20°C, water)
Storage	-20°C
Bio Safety	Non-hazardous (RUO)

Features

Highly purified mitochondrial Cytochrome C protein for reproducible experimental performance
Validated apoptosis marker for caspase activation and intrinsic pathway studies
Key reference standard for mitochondrial electron transport chain assays
Excellent solubility for biochemical and cell-based applications
Chromatography purified with consistent lot-to-lot stability
Suitable for redox reaction and oxidative phosphorylation research models

Applications

Mitochondrial electron transport chain and respiration studies
Apoptosis assay and caspase activation pathway analysis
Cell death mechanism and intrinsic apoptosis research
Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production studies
Western blot and apoptosis marker reference protein
Redox reaction and enzymology model system
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress research

Biological Function Overview

Cytochrome C functions as a central electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, transferring electrons from Complex III to Complex IV. This process is essential for maintaining efficient oxidative phosphorylation and cellular ATP production.

During cellular stress or damage, Cytochrome C is released into the cytoplasm, where it initiates apoptosome formation and activates caspase enzymes. This makes it a key molecular switch between cell survival and programmed cell death.

Reconstitution & Preparation

This product is supplied as a lyophilized/crystalline powder and is highly water-soluble (up to ~100 g/L). Reconstitute before use as follows:

Briefly centrifuge the vial before opening to collect the powder at the bottom.
Dissolve in ultrapure/distilled water or a suitable buffer (e.g., PBS or 10–50 mM Tris/phosphate, pH 7.0–7.4). Example: add 1 mL solvent per 10 mg to make a 10 mg/mL stock.
Mix gently (pipetting or gentle inversion) until fully dissolved; avoid vigorous vortexing and foaming.
Protect from light; for cell-based work, filter-sterilize through a 0.22 µm filter.
Prepare fresh when possible; otherwise aliquot and store at -20°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Note: Working concentration, buffer, and (if a specific redox state is required) reduction/oxidation steps depend on your assay — follow your protocol.

Storage & Handling

Store at -20°C for long-term stability
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Keep sealed and protected from moisture and light

Documents

COA SDS INFO

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cytochrome C be taken orally or used as a supplement (e.g. for fatigue, energy, or exercise recovery)?

No. This product is a Research Use Only laboratory reagent. It is not for human or animal consumption and must not be used as a dietary supplement or as an anti-fatigue, energy, athletic-performance, exercise-recovery, or "biohacking" product. No such use is intended or supported, and any in-vivo or self-administered use is expressly prohibited.

What is Cytochrome C used for in research?

Cytochrome C is widely used as a mitochondrial electron transport chain protein and apoptosis marker for studying cell death, caspase activation, and oxidative phosphorylation.

How does Cytochrome C function in apoptosis?

It is released from mitochondria into the cytosol, where it activates apoptosome formation and triggers caspase-dependent programmed cell death.

Can Cytochrome C be used as a Western blot marker?

Yes, it is commonly used as an apoptosis marker protein in Western blot and mitochondrial dysfunction studies.

What purity level is recommended?

≥95% purity (HPLC) is recommended for reliable biochemical and cell-based experiments.

How should Cytochrome C be stored?

Store at -20°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain protein stability.

Disclaimer: This product is sold for laboratory research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, food, or dietary supplement and is not intended for human or animal consumption, or for medical, diagnostic, therapeutic, anti-fatigue, energy, or performance use. By purchasing, the buyer agrees to use it solely for research purposes; Biofargo Inc. assumes no liability for any other use.

Cytochrome C (Porcine Heart) 95% Biotechnology Grade