Question

1.What does an uncoupler do?

2.Cyanide is a potent poison and can cause rapid death in humans. Explain its mechanism!

3.Explain the coupling between the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Include a description of the mechanism of ATP synthase

PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

Answer 1

1. Uncoupler is a molecule which blocks the process of oxidative phosphorylation in the prokaryote and mitochondria which causes the less production of ATP molecules. They uncouples or dissociate the electron transport chain and inhibit the fermentation process.

2.​​​​​Cyanide is a well known uncoupler which causes the rapid death of the human. Cyanide has a high affinity towards the metal ions like iron and cobalt ions . When consumed in large doses, it binds with the iron ions of cytochrome a3 complex disrupting the electron transport chain and low production of ATP.

3. Both are coupled etc and oxidative phosphorylation across the inner mitochondrial membrane due to the formation of proton gradient.

ATP synthase is a complex which uses the proton gradient created in the mitochondria by etc to transport the proton down the gradient and utilise energy for the ATP generation from ADP molecules.