A Diet to Die For

An Exploration of Oxidative Phosphorylation

Co
Authors:

Terry Platt
Department of Biology
University of Rochester
terry.platt@rochester.edu
Eric Ribbens
Department of Biological Sciences
Western Illinois University
E-Ribbens@wiu.edu

Abstract:

This clicker case is designed to lead students to a conceptual understanding of oxidative

phosphorylation (and, by analogy, photosynthesis). Students begin with a pre-class handout that
presents background information on DNP, a weight-loss drug that was used in the 1930s, often wit
fatal consequences, leading to the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration. In the
classroom, students work through a PowerPoint presentation about a college athlete who uses
dinitrophenol obtained on the internet to lose weight, and winds up in the emergency
room. Investigation by his twin sister reveals the scientific reasons for the dangers he
encountered. The same topic with a slightly different emphasis is presented in another case in our
collection titled "Wrestling with Weight Loss: The Dangers of a Weight-Loss Drug."

Objectives:

Instill a historical appreciation for DNP's early use as a weight loss drug and its role in the
formation of the Food and Drug Administration as a regulatory agency.

Use current issues of dieting and weight loss via internet drugs to engage student interes
in the toxic effects of DNP.

Challenge students to think about how inhibition and uncoupling effects of drugs can
deepen their understanding of oxidative phosphorylation in eukaryotic systems.

Encourage students' curiosity as to the chemical reasons for DNP toxicity in the context o
the chemiosmotic hypothesis.

Stimulate interest in further study by showing how biological control of oxidative

phosphorylation can generate warmth in human babies, for example.

Promote an overall understanding of the relationship between ATP synthesis via oxidative
phosphorylation and electron transport in eukaryotic cells.

Keywords:

Topical
Area:

Dinitrophenol; DNP; electron transport; oxidative phosphorylation; ATP synthesis; uncoupler;

uncoupling; mitochondria; dieting drug; chemiosmotic theory; Peter Mitchell; substance use
Ethics, History of science, Scientific method

What is Oxidative Phosphorylation?