This computer based study leads to the conclusion that electrons arriving at the surface of cytochrome c oxidase migrate to the enzyme’s first active centre by a hydride ion relay system similar to that seen at the active site of chymotrypsin.

Transfer of electrons from ferrocytochrome C to cytochrome c oxidase is facilated by enzyme-substrate complexes stabilized by salt bridges. Computer simulations were employed to identify residues that participate in intermolecular salt bridges.