The linkage of MT - COI to apoptosis arises because active cytochrome c oxidase oxidizes cytochrome c leading to apoptosis .
Cytochrome c then activates pro-caspase 9 .
The linkage of MT - COI to apoptosis arises because active cytochrome c oxidase oxidizes cytochrome c , which then activates pro-caspase 9 , leading to apoptosis .