Question

2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) was touted as a nutritional supplement which was to aid in weight loss and works by uncoupling mitochondria. The problem with DNP, is that individuals taking it were overheating. What is the basis behind the overheating when taking DNP?

Answer 1

Please see below

Step-by-step explanation:

2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) would cause the production of excessive heat in the body due to the fact that it would allow for protons to mover across the inner membrane in the mitochondria and hence, not go through ATP synthase as it would normally do. Weight loss as a result of burning molecules of fat and carbohydrates in the body is what would energy to be converted to and wasted as heat, which acts as a basis for the body overheating.