Bcl-2 is a member of a family of proteins that regulates outer mitochondrial membrane permeability. Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic member that prevents release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria intermembrane space into the cytosol. Bcl-2 is present on the outer mitochondrial membrane and is also found on other membranes in some cell types. Natural Bcl-2 contains a carboxyl-terminal mitochondria targeting sequence. Recombinant Bcl-2, missing the mitochondrial targeting sequence, maintains its ability to neutralize pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Neutralization by Bcl-2 appears to be through binding the BH3 region of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. This activity does not require the mitochondrial targeting sequence.