Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is a protein in the mitochondria of brown fat cells.

Question

Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is a protein in the mitochondria of
brown fat cells. This protein, labeled in the figure, makes a hole in the
inner membrane of the mitochondrion through which protons freely
flow in either direction down their concentration gradient. Brown fat
cells generate a substantial amount of heat, particularly in newborn
babies and hibernating mammals. Other cells of the body do not make
the UCP1 protein.

a.Are there any alternative structures, in addition to UCP1, through
which hydrogen ions can flow between the matrix and intermembrane
space? Explain.

b. Would cells with UCP1 have a different rate of ATP production compared to cells that lack UCP1?
Explain.

Explanation / Answer

a.Sure, the normal electron transport chain; . b.Maybe–although some of the protons are thus being "uselessly" shuttled across the membrane, most cells need a certain amount of ATP to function, so I would think that it's kept at a pretty constant level.

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