Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Chemiosmosis

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Chemiosmosis

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Problem 8

Textbook Question

Explain the relationship between electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. How do uncoupling proteins 'uncouple' this relationship in brown adipose tissue?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation are two interconnected processes in cellular respiration that occur in the mitochondria.

Recognize that the electron transport chain (ETC) involves a series of protein complexes (I-IV) located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where electrons are transferred through these complexes, releasing energy.

Acknowledge that the energy released during electron transport is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient (proton motive force).

Realize that oxidative phosphorylation occurs when protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, driven by the proton gradient, leading to the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Learn that uncoupling proteins, such as UCP1 in brown adipose tissue, disrupt this process by allowing protons to re-enter the mitochondrial matrix without passing through ATP synthase, thus generating heat instead of ATP, effectively 'uncoupling' electron transport from ATP production.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The Electron Transport Chain is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons derived from NADH and FADH2. As electrons move through these complexes, they release energy, which is used to pump protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which ATP is produced using the energy generated from the electron transport chain. The proton gradient created by the ETC drives protons back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, a process that catalyzes the conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP, thus linking electron transport to ATP production.

Uncoupling Proteins (UCPs)

Uncoupling proteins are a group of proteins found in the inner mitochondrial membrane that can dissipate the proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain. In brown adipose tissue, UCPs allow protons to re-enter the mitochondrial matrix without passing through ATP synthase, leading to heat production instead of ATP synthesis, a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis.