Dinitrophenol causes: (A) Inhibition of ATP synthase, (B) Inhibition of electron transpo, (C) Uncoupling of oxidation and phosphorylation, (D) Accumulation of ATP
Answer is C. Mechanism of Action of DNP as uncoupler Dinitrophenol (DNP) a potent uncoupler is ampipathic and increase the permeability of the lipoid inner mitochondrial membrane to protons (H+), thus reducing the electrochemical potential and sho-circuiting the ATP synthase. In this way, oxidation can proceed without phosphorylation. Note: DNP was used for weight loss. But it was discontinued due to hypehermia and other side effects.Ref: MN Chatterjea Textbook of Medical Biochemistry, 8th edition, page no: 146