The uncoupling protein blocks development of a H + electrochemical gradient, thereby stimulating respiration.
The main toxic action is the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, converting all cellular energy in the form of heat and causing extreme hyperthermia.
This relative uncoupling of genes and memes may mean that more than ever before memes will spread that are detrimental to their carriers.
Contrary to expectation, the weight of mice deficient in a major uncoupling protein, UCP2, has been found to be normal.