Mitochondrial Uncouplers - Essay Example

Mitochondrial Uncouplers Using your knowledge of the processes of cellular respiration, describe the effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol on oxidative phosphorylation. (2.5 points)Cellular respiration involves formation of ATP from, addition of a phosphate molecule to ADP, oxidative phosphorylation. During the process of oxidative phosphorylation, there is a transfer of electrons from NADH to O2. The transfer of electrons results to the pumping out of protons which are responsible for the formation of ATP through creation of a proton-motive force(El-Zanfaly and Marwa 208).

Unfortunately, 2,4-dinitrophenol increases basal leak of these protons (H+), and as a result affect the oxidative phosphorylation process.2. Why does disruption of oxidative phosphorylation by 2, 4-dinitrophenol cause an increase in glycolysis? What alternative pathway is being triggered here and why? What other chemical would you expect to see build-up in the cytoplasm of these cells? (2.5 points)In the presence of 2, 4-dinitrophenol, electron transport of electrons to O2 from NADH continuous normally regardless of loss of respiratory control leading to increased oxygen consumption as well as oxidation of NADH.

It is the excessive consumption of oxygen that leads to consumption of large amounts of metabolic fuels; increase in glycolysis(El-Zanfaly and Marwa 208). During this process, substrate cycle is triggered in order to dissipate more energy in form of heat. Apart from accumulation of phosphate molecules, the presence of 2, 4-dinitrophenol may also result to accumulation of insulin and triglyceride in the cytoplasm of cells. 3. Why does 2,4-dinitrophenol cause hyperthermia? (2.5 points)2, 4-dinitrophenol causes hyperthermia because it is associated with basal leak of protons which are responsible for the formation of ATP, storage of energy.

The loss of thermoregulatory homeostasis as a result of the drug result to excessive dissipation of heat as well as consumption of calories(El-Zanfaly and Marwa 208). 4. Based on what you have learned of the function of 2,4-dinitrophenol, propose a model for how this protein could allow brown fat mitochondria to be thermogenic. Be specific. (2.5 points)The uncoupling protein (UCP) is an exclusive mitochondrial protein for brown fat. This fat plays a very significant role in the transportation of protein responsible for the formation of ATP.

In transporting the proteins, this fat enhances dissipation of heat and as a result makes the brown fat mitochondria to be thermogenic. Work CitedEl-Zanfaly, Marwa and Grundlingh, Johann.“2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP): A Weight Loss Agent with Significant Acute Toxicity and Risk of Death”. J. Med. Toxicol. (2011) 7:205–212