The mechanism of action of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation involves:
High-Yield Explanation
Uncouplers are protein carriers that can freely pass through the inner mitochondrial membrane. It allows translocation of the protons into the intermembranous space during the electron transpo in the respiratory chain but blocks the formation of proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Thermogenin a protein present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of adipocytes is an example of physiologic uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Examples of uncouplers are: 2,4 dinitrophenol, pentachlorophenol, nigericin, thyroxin and thermogenin. REF: Lippincott book of biochemistry 6th ed.