Question

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?

Short answer

DNP affects body weight loss by failing the capacity to construct a proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane due to the incapacity to pump hydrogen ions. As a result the weight reduces.

Step-by-step solution

Concept Introduction

Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an uncoupler or can isolate the progression of electrons and the siphoning of ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ particles for ATP blend.

- Explanation

DNP affects body weight loss by failing the capacity to construct a proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane due to the incapacity to pump hydrogen ions. Therefore, it leads to the reduction of pH across the inner membrane of mitochondria and accordingly raises intracellular In addition, protons leak through a mitochondrial membrane which influences ATP production and reduces it. So, a person cannot acquire sufficient energy from their food intake, so their needs for food are declined. Because sufficient ATP cannot be formed, sufficient energy is discharged through heat.

Step 3:Final answer

DNP affects body weight loss by failing the capacity to construct a proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane due to the incapacity to pump hydrogen ions. As a result, the weight reduces.