Answer to Question #71293 in Cell Biology for Mimi

Question

A drug is taken which makes the inner membrane of the mitochondria permeable to NADH. Describe the impact on the organism.

Answer 1

NADH molecules should supply reduced equivalents for the functioning of the electron transport chain, which finally leads to ATP production during chemiosmosis. Leakage of NADH out of mitochondria in case of membrane permeability, thus would contribute to reduction in the rate of ATP synthesis. It means that cells will experience energy starvation, and the organism will probably die.