Question

What is the concept of leaky membranes during the Krebs cycle? How is it that instead of the 36 ATPs the energy production only goes upto 29 or 30 ATPs due to 'leaky membranes'?

Answer 1

DNP (dinitrophenol) poisoning causes leaky membranes during Krebs cycle which leads less ATP production and so less production of energy. Hydrogen ion concentration is built in the intermembrane space which makes ATP by flowing back to the mitochondrial matrix. DNP makes the inner membrane of mitochondria leaky to hydrogen ions. Leakage of H⁺ ions inables the ATP production and thus instead of 36 ATPs, only 29 or 30 ATPs.