Figure 4From: The mitochondrial uncoupling proteinsEnergy dissipation mediated by the uncoupling proteins. During respiration, protons are pumped by the respiratory chain complexes and a proton electrochemical potential gradient is generated. The energy of the proton gradient drives the synthesis of ATP by the F0F1-ATPase. UCPs catalyze a regulated re-entry of the protons into the matrix. The ADP/ATP carrier exports the newly synthesized ATP to the cytosol in exchange for ADP.Back to article page