cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsī-tə-ˌkrōm 
: any of several intracellular hemoprotein respiratory pigments that are enzymes functioning in electron transport as carriers of electrons
Examples of cytochrome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect enzymes in the liver that are part of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system, which help process estrogen.
—
Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2026
The key adaptation is the presence of outer membrane cytochromes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Specialized enzymes — mainly the cytochrome P450s — take substances like alcohol, caffeine, medications and environmental chemicals and start breaking them apart.
—Lauren Mallers, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Cannabis compounds, especially THC and CBD, are metabolized in the liver using the cytochrome P450 enzyme system—the same pathway many medications rely on.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 June 2025
For example, this can be seen in the novel bacteria’s cytochrome, a type of protein involved in electron transport.
—Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 5 May 2025
However, the remaining portion is converted by cytochrome P450 enzymes into N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a toxic metabolite.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Taking a medication that lowers cholesterol, such as statins, may impact the natural creation of vitamin D.
Statins and vitamin D are also metabolized (broken down) by the same liver enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Jan. 2025
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Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2026
The key adaptation is the presence of outer membrane cytochromes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Specialized enzymes — mainly the cytochrome P450s — take substances like alcohol, caffeine, medications and environmental chemicals and start breaking them apart.
—Lauren Mallers, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Cannabis compounds, especially THC and CBD, are metabolized in the liver using the cytochrome P450 enzyme system—the same pathway many medications rely on.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 June 2025
For example, this can be seen in the novel bacteria’s cytochrome, a type of protein involved in electron transport.
—Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 5 May 2025
However, the remaining portion is converted by cytochrome P450 enzymes into N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a toxic metabolite.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Taking a medication that lowers cholesterol, such as statins, may impact the natural creation of vitamin D.
Statins and vitamin D are also metabolized (broken down) by the same liver enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cytochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytochrome. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsīt-ə-ˌkrōm
: any of several iron-containing pigments that transfer electrons to molecules of oxygen in the living cell
Medical Definition
cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsīt-ə-ˌkrōm
: any of several intracellular hemoprotein respiratory pigments that are enzymes functioning in electron transport as carriers of electrons
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