Question

1. Summarize what is meant by a respiratory uncoupler. What do these compounds “uncouple”?

Answer 1

Respiratory uncouplers are the proteins which uncouples the electron transport to ATP formation. We know that during the transfer of electrons , there is development of a proton gradient. This proton gradient is used for the formation of ATP with the help of complex 5. But uncouplers provide an alternative pathway for the transfer of protons back into matrix . This results in no ATP but loss of energy in form of heat.

These compounds uncouple ETC and phosphorylation(formation of ATP).