Figure 1. Schematic representation of mechanisms linking respiration to ATP synthesis and thermogenesis in mitochondria.

Only the inner membrane of mitochondria is schematised. Vox identifies the respiratory chain. The respiratory chain works as a proton pump which generates a proton gradient and a membrane potential (ΔΨ). The proton gradient is used by ATP-synthase to phosphorylate ADP. During this process, the proton gradient is decreased and this activates the respiration. The UCPs function as a proton translocator; they decrease the proton gradient and activate coenzyme reoxidation.