Cytochrome c is an important enzyme found in the cells of all aerobic organisms. Elemental analysis of cytochrome c shows that it contains 0.43% iron. What is the minimum molecular weight of this enzyme?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the problem is asking for the minimum molecular weight of cytochrome c based on its iron content. This means we need to find the smallest possible molecular weight that would allow for 0.43% of the enzyme to be iron.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the percentage by mass of iron in cytochrome c is given as 0.43%. This means that in 100 grams of cytochrome c, there are 0.43 grams of iron.
3. Step 3: Use the molar mass of iron (Fe), which is approximately 55.85 g/mol, to determine the number of moles of iron in 0.43 grams. This is done by dividing the mass of iron by its molar mass: \( \text{moles of Fe} = \frac{0.43 \text{ g}}{55.85 \text{ g/mol}} \).
4. Step 4: Since the problem asks for the minimum molecular weight, assume that there is only one atom of iron per molecule of cytochrome c. This means the moles of iron calculated in Step 3 correspond to the moles of cytochrome c.
5. Step 5: Calculate the minimum molecular weight of cytochrome c by using the formula: \( \text{Molecular weight of cytochrome c} = \frac{\text{mass of cytochrome c}}{\text{moles of cytochrome c}} \). Use 100 grams as the mass of cytochrome c and the moles of cytochrome c from Step 4.