Question

On a molecular level, how can endotherms produce their own heat by adjusting processes associated with cellular respiration?

Short answer

The rate of respiration decreases as environmental temperature approaches body temperature. Endotherms respire more in the cold to maintain their temperature.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction  

Endotherms use internally generated heat to maintain body temperature. Their body temperature tends to stay steady regardless of environment.

Explanation 

In endotherms, the body is maintained at a constant temperature at a cost. So, the rate of respiration decreases as environmental temperature approaches body temperature (or more accurately, BMR). Endotherms respire more in the cold to maintain their temperature.

Animals are capable of thermal uncoupling when they need to generate heat to maintain their body temperatures.

An uncoupling protein provides a channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane that allows protons to leave the lumen without moving through the ATP synthase.

This generates heat rather than chemical energy as the final product of cellular respiration.