Аннотация:The Ca2(+)-induced red shift of the cytochrome a absorption spectrum is counteracted specifically by Na+ ions, whereas neither K+ nor Li+ do show comparable effect. At the same time Na+ does not reverse the H(+)-induced red shift of cytochrome a 2+. It is suggested that Na+ competes with Ca2+ for binding site(s) within the cytochrome oxidase output proton well communicating the heme a propionate substituent responsible for the Ca2(+)- or H(+)-induced red-shift of cytochrome a (Saari et al. 1980, J. Bioenerget. Biomembr. 12, 325-338) with the c-aqueous phase. The unusual ionic specificity of the well (Ca2+, Na+, proton) may point to H3O+ rather than H+ being the ion involved in proton conduction through the output well of cytochrome oxidase.