Biology 2e
Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9781947172517
Author: Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher: OpenStax
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 7, Problem 1VCQ

Figure 7.11 Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an "uncoupler" that makes the inner mitochondrial membrane "leaky" to protons. It was used until 1938 as a weight-loss drug. What effect would you expect DNP to have on the change in pH across the inner mitochondrial membrane? Why do you think this might be an effective weight-loss drug?

Chapter 7, Problem 1VCQ, Figure 7.11 Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an "uncoupler" that makes the inner mitochondrial membrane

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To write:

The effect of DNP on the pH across the mitochondrial membrane and the reason that it is a weight-loss drug.

Introduction:

Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an uncoupler. The flow of electrons can be separated by DNP along with the pumping of the H+ ion for the purpose of production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It means that the electron transport chain can no longer form a proton gradient, and ATP synthase can no longer make ATP.

DNP is a drug given to the patient for losing weight. After using DNA as weight loss drug, a person obtains less energy out of the eaten food. One of the worst side effects of taking DNP is overheating of the body, the energy from electron transport is lost as heat.

Explanation of Solution

DNP is an uncoupler, it disrupts the ATP synthesis by leaking protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. As a result, the proton gradient cannot be formed across the inner mitochondrial membrane as pumping of H+ (hydrogen ion) is stopped. So, there will be a decrease in pH across the inner membrane of mitochondria.

Therefore, ATP production becoming less efficient. Hence, the energy which is normally produced during cellular respiration is being wasted as heat. In such condition, majority of the eaten food could not be used for the purpose of ATP synthesis and we lose weight.

Conclusion

DNP is an effective diet drug used to lose weight. It acts as an uncoupler which disrupts the H+ gradient across mitochondrial membrane reducing ATP synthesis. Since ATP cannot be formed, the energy from electron transport is lost as heat.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Cytochrome c may associate with cardiolipin (diphosphatidylglycerol) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. What sort of intermolecular forces are likely to be involved in this association?
Sodium fluoroacetate (FH2CCOO- Na+) is highly toxic. Patients with fluoroacetate poisoning accumulate citrate and fluorocitrate in their cells. Which enzyme is inhibited by fluoroacetate for this to occur? Explain.
Lauric acid is a 12-carbon fatty acid with no double bonds. The sodium salt of lauric acid (sodium laurate) is a common detergent used in a variety of products, including laundry detergent, shampoo, and toothpaste. How many molecules of ATP and NADPH are required to synthesize lauric acid?

Chapter 7 Solutions

Biology 2e

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
  • Text book image
    Biology 2e
    Biology
    ISBN:9781947172517
    Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
    Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Mitochondrial mutations; Author: Useful Genetics;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgXe-3RJeU;License: CC-BY