Page 65 - Biochemistry2 (08PB403)

3) Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation

• Uncouple electron transport from oxidative
phosphorylation.

• They collapse the pH gradient by binding protons on the
outer side (acidic side) of the membrane and releasing
the proton on the inner side (alkaline side) of the
membrane.

• Examples include:

1) 2,4-Dinitrophenol

2) dicumarol

3)carbonyl cyanide-p-triflurocarbonyl-cyanide
methoxyphenyl hydrazone (FCCP).

• The potential energy of the proton gradient is lost in the
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form of thermal energy (heat).