The triphasic reduction of cytochrome b in the succinate-cytochrome c reductase

In the succinate-cytochrome c reductase, the reduction of cytochrome b has been found to be triphasic: an initial rapid partial reduction was followed first by a rapid oxidation and then finally by a slow reduction. The initial reduction of cytochrome b was faster than that of cytochrome c₁ and the final slow reduction of cytochrome b began when cytochrome c₁ reduction was approaching completion. In presence of the inhibitors antimycin A or HQNO the reduction of cytochrome b became monophasic. Hysteresis or a kinetic cooperative effect of a factor controlling cytochrome b oxidation has been suggested as a possible explanation for the triphasic reduction of cytochrome b.