Chapter 9, Problem 15PIAT

Summary Introduction

To review:

The effect of DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol) on lowering the weight gain by comparing the treated and control group of mice.

Introduction:

The DNP is a drug which dissipates the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which collapses the proton-motive force (PMF). The PMF is used for the generation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The production of ROS can be reduced using drugs that allow protons to freely pass through the inner membrane. The effect of DNP on the life span of mice is shown in the graph below. Each point represents the death of a single mouse.

In this case, in addition to an increased life span, mice treated with low concentrations of DNP also showed a significantly lower weight gain compared to the control group despite no difference in the amount or type of food ingested.