Cytochrome c specifically induces non-bilayer structures in cardiolipin-containing model membranes.
(1) The effect of cytochrome c addition on the phospholipid structure of liposomes composed of cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine in  a pure form or in mixtures was investigated by 31P-NMR and freeze-fracture techniques. (2) Cytochrome c specifically induces the hexagonal Hii phase and possibly an inverted micellar structure of part of the phospholipids in cardiolipin-containing model membranes. (3) These results are compared with the effect of Ca2+ on cardiolipin and are discussed in relation to the structure and function of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
D002308:Cardiolipins; D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D008081:Liposomes; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D008968:Molecular Conformation
D002308:Cardiolipins; D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D008081:Liposomes