The mechanism of heat production in brown adipose tissue depends on
A) an efficient use of ATP in metabolism.
B) a rapid breakdown of protein.
C) a rapid breakdown of fatty acids.
D) the shivering of skeletal muscles.
E) the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brown adipose tissue produces heat through the process of uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. This involves the activity of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which allows protons to leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient that is dissipated as heat rather than used for ATP synthesis. This is known as "thermogenesis". All other options (A, B, C, and D) are not the primary mechanism of heat production in brown adipose tissue.

The Mechanism of Heat Production in Brown Adipose Tissue Depends