What is the destination of cytochrome c during apoptosis?

During apoptosis, cytochrome c is released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. This release is a critical step in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.

Once in the cytoplasm, cytochrome c interacts with apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) to form a large protein complex known as the apoptosome. This complex subsequently activates initiator caspases, which then trigger a cascade of proteolytic events leading to cellular disassembly and death.

The significance of cytochrome c's role in apoptosis highlights its function as a pro-apoptotic factor that signals cellular stress or damage, effectively directing the cell toward programmed cell death.