Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a specialized fatty tissue present in some hibernating and cold-adapted animals. The mitochondria of BAT contain an additional protein called thermogenin, which spans the inner mitochondrial membrane. What occurs when this protein is active?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the protein thermogenin is active in the mitochondria of brown adipose tissue, a significant increase in heat production occurs. This is because thermogenin uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP production, allowing the energy produced by electron transport to be dissipated as heat instead of being used to synthesize ATP. This process is known as non-shivering thermogenesis and helps to maintain body temperature in hibernating and cold-adapted animals.

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) Is a Specialized Fatty Tissue Present β\betaβ

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