AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In cellular respiration, decoupling oxidative phosphorylation from electron transport generates heat. This heat can be used by endothermic organisms to regulate body temperature.

Detailed explanation-2: -Abstract. Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria inhibit the coupling between the electron transport and phosphorylation reactions and thus inhibit ATP synthesis without affecting the respiratory chain and ATP synthase (H(+)-ATPase).

Detailed explanation-3: -What is oxidative phosphorylation? Oxidative phosphorylation is the process where energy is harnessed through a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner-membrane of mitochondria (called the electron transport chain and ATP synthase) to create ATP.

Detailed explanation-4: -How can decoupling of oxidative phosphorylation from the electron transport chain be used to help endotherms regulate body temperature? The decoupling allows for the energy stored in the gradient to be released as heat. This heat is used to regulate body temperature.

Detailed explanation-5: -The proton leak via uncoupling proteins makes mitochondria respiration more inefficient, thus generates more heat as by product. Essentially, the proton leak itself does not directly generate heat. Instead, it causes higher level of mitochondrial respiration (more combustion) which generates heat.