Specialty Chemistry Forums > Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Forum

Reaction of cytochrome c with sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄)

(1/2) > >>

Med lab student:
Hi,

We did an experiment in college where we used ion exchange chromatography to separate a mixture of cytochrome c and katalase. The experiment was succesful, we could clearly see the 2 separate components afterwords. But we had to do a test to make sure it was cytochrome c in 1 test tube and katalase in the other. For the cytochrome c, we added a little Na₂S₂O₄, and the color turned bright pink, so the test was positive. We are supposed to explain what caused the change in color, and I just can't figure it out. Is there anybody who can help me?
Thanks a lot in advance.

chenbeier:
What kind of chemical is dithionite?

Med lab student:
sodium dithionite , aka sodium hydrosulfite (Na₂S₂O₄)

chenbeier:
No I mean what behaviour has this compound.

Babcock_Hall:
According to the rules of the forum, you must provide your thoughts before we can help you.  What is the prosthetic group in cytochrome c?  What is the biochemical function of cytochrome c?

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page