The production of a hydrogen ion concentration gradient powers the production of ATP in both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an organic compound that 'undoes' the hydrogen ion concentration gradient without the production of ATP. It does this by increasing the membrane permeability to hydrogen ions. One use of DNP is as a herbicide. For a brief period in the 1930s, DNP was marketed as a diet pill. Because DNP prevents the production of ATP, the human body will begin to use alternate forms of energy. The result is an increase in the metabolism of fats in the body, thus reducing total body fat. In the presence of DNP, the energy that normally would be converted to ATP for use in the cells is converted to heat instead, causing dangerously high body temperatures. DNP is classified as an illegal substance in Canada and the U.S. although it is still marketed as a commercial chemical. In recent years, several deaths have been reported, primarily in the bodybuilding community, caused by DNP. a) Explain why DNP is effective at preventing the production of ATP in cellular respiration and photosynthesis using the information provided above. Specify what ATP is used for in i) photosynthesis, ii) cellular respiration. b) Given the number of deaths caused by DNP, should it still be allowed to be sold as a commercial chemical? Support your answer by including the risks OR benefits of DNP.
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain, also known as the electron transport system, is a group of proteins that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to create a gradient of protons that drives adenosine triphosphate (ATP)synthesis. The cell uses ATP as an energy source for metabolic processes and cellular functions. ETC involves series of reactions that convert redox energy from NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)) and FADH2(flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)) oxidation into proton-motive force(PMF), which is then used to synthesize ATP through conformational changes in the ATP synthase complex, a process known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Metabolism
Picture a campfire. It keeps the body warm on a cold night and provides light. To ensure that the fire keeps burning, fuel needs to be added(pieces of wood in this case). When a small piece is added, the fire burns bright for a bit and then dies down unless more wood is added. But, if too many pieces are placed at a time, the fire escalates and burns for a longer time, without actually burning away all the pieces that have been added. Many of them, especially the larger chunks or damp pieces, remain unburnt.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the cellular process involved in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules from the organic nutritional source obtained from the diet. It is a universal process observed in all types of life forms. The glucose (chemical formula C6H12O6) molecules are the preferred raw material for cell respiration as it possesses a simple structure and is highly efficient in nature.
For a brief period in the 1930s, DNP was marketed as a diet pill. Because DNP prevents the production of ATP, the human body will begin to use alternate forms of energy. The result is an increase in the
DNP is classified as an illegal substance in Canada and the U.S. although it is still marketed as a commercial chemical. In recent years, several deaths have been reported, primarily in the bodybuilding community, caused by DNP.
a) Explain why DNP is effective at preventing the production of ATP in cellular respiration and photosynthesis using the information provided above.
Specify what ATP is used for in i) photosynthesis,
ii) cellular respiration. b) Given the number of deaths caused by DNP, should it still be allowed to be sold as a commercial chemical? Support your answer by including the risks OR benefits of DNP.
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