Substance\'s Effect: Increases the number of free hydrogen ions or protons (H^+)
ID: 93640 • Letter: S
Question
Substance's Effect: Increases the number of free hydrogen ions or protons (H^+) in the intermembrane space of the mitochondria (between the outer and inner membranes) Facilitator: _____ Classification: Potentially effective in promoting (circle one): Weight Loss Weight Gain Explanation for effect: Substance's Effect: Partially blocks the H^+/pyruvate symporter, interfering with the transport of pyruvate into the mitochondria. Facilitator: _____ Classification Potentially effective in promoting (circle one): Weight Loss Weight Gain Explanation for effect:Explanation / Answer
3. Facilitator is Electron transport chain which occurs in the matrix of mitochondria, promoting weight loss.The Hydrogen ions are carried from matrix to the intermembrane space. There develops a high concentration gradient of Hydrogen ions in intermembrane space and Hydrogen ions start flowing through a channel to ATP synthase. ATP synthase requires energy during conversion of ADP to ATP and Hydrogen ions provide this energy. When there are more protons, there will be more ATP pumped through ATP synthase and more ATP production.
Also, Thermogenin protein carries the Hydrogen ions back to mitochondria without any ATP production and generates heat. When there are more protons transported, there will be excessive heat produced in metabolism resulting into weight loss.
4. Pyruvate accepts Protons from NADH generating NAD+ which keeps the glycolysis active. Blocking the transport of H+ and transport of pyruvate into mitochondria,will adversely affect glycolysis and will reduce the amount of ATP production. Also there will be no thermogenesis in the metabolism resulting into weight gain.