Both Thermogenin and 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)uncouple Oxidation from ATP Synthesis

question 11

Essay

Both thermogenin and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)uncouple oxidation from ATP synthesis.Thermogenin is expressed in the mitochondria of brown fat cells in newborn animals and adult mammals that hibernate.DNP was marketed in the 1930s as a diet pill,but in addition to causing weight loss it sometimes caused death.
a.Compare the mechanisms by which these uncouplers affect ATP synthesis.
b.What function does thermogenin serve for brown fat cells?
c.Why is the rationale for DNP as a diet drug?
d.Considering locations of the effects in an animal and the possibility for allosteric regulation,suggest why thermogenin is advantageous and DNP dangerous for humans?

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