| Cellular Localization |
Dinitrophenyl (DNP) is a synthetic cellular metabolic poison that uncouples
oxidative phosphorylation by acting as a proton ionophore that carries pro
tons across the mitochondrial membrane. This action causes a rapid con
sumption of energy without generation of ATP, and thus the energy of the
proton gradient is lost as heat. Dinitrophenyl is considered an environmental
contaminant as it can pollute the air from automobile exhaust, burning of
certain industrial substances and from reaction of nitrogen in air with other
atmospheric chemicals. Commercial dinitrophenyl is mainly used for scientific
research, but has also been used as a photographic developer and to make
dyes, other organic chemicals, wood preservatives, explosives and insect
control substances. Dinitrophenyl is often used in biochemistry research to
aid in the exploration of the regulation of bioenergetics in different organisms. |
