Uncoupling proteins, the interface between bioenergetics and metabolism

The chemiosmotic theory of Peter Mitchell posits that the intermediate between the energy-releasing redox enzymes and the energy-consuming phosphorylation system is the membrane potential generated by proton pumping by three of the redox enzymatic complexes. This requires a tight control of the permeability of the inner membrane, and increasing ionic leaks in the inner membrane lead to uncoupling.