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cytochrome oxidase
noun
: an iron-porphyrin enzyme important in cellular respiration due to its ability to catalyze the oxidation of reduced cytochrome c in the presence of oxygen
Examples of cytochrome oxidase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The mitochondrial gene that’s usually used in barcoding, called cytochrome oxidase 1, or CO1, is not necessarily the best option for analyzing the genetic differences between species, especially as technology has expanded to allow for cheaper analysis of a fuller genetic picture.
—Brooke Jarvis, WIRED, 10 Nov. 2022
The mitochondria needs a specific enzyme called cytochrome oxidase to make this possible.
—Meg Neal, Popular Mechanics, 4 Oct. 2020
In practice, this has meant focusing on the cytochrome oxidase I gene, which has been found to be dissimilar-enough across fish species that it can be used to distinguish one species from another.
—Chase Purdy, Quartz, 5 Nov. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cytochrome oxidase was
in 1942
Dictionary Entries Near cytochrome oxidase
Cite this Entry
“Cytochrome oxidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytochrome%20oxidase. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
cytochrome oxidase
noun
: an iron-porphyrin enzyme important in cellular respiration because of its ability to catalyze the oxidation of reduced cytochrome c in the presence of oxygen
More from Merriam-Webster on cytochrome oxidase
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cytochrome oxidase
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