Why does the increased permeability of a membrane result in less ATP produced per molecule of glucose?

Question

Weight loss medications have been developed that specifically target the inner membrane of the mitochondria (the membrane that the electron transport chain is embedded in). These medications make the membrane permeable to hydrogen ions (H⁺), meaning they allow some H⁺ to pass through the membrane without passing through any type of transport protein. The increased permeability of the membrane means that cells have to expend twice as much glucose to produce the same amount of ATP, which is ultimately what leads to weight loss. Considering what you know about oxidative phosphorylation, explain why the increased permeability of the membrane results in less ATP being produced per molecule of glucose. You need to explain how the process of oxidative phosphorylation is altered by this drug. Only saying that there would be an uncoupling between chemiosmosis and the electron transport chain will earn no credit.

Hint: This medication is not affecting the electron transport chain. Electrons are still being dropped off to the electron transport chain as usual and are able to move down the chain towards oxygen. 

Answer 1

Changes in cell membrane permeability are often the first detectable responses of cells to infection by pathogens, to most host-specific and several nonspecific toxins, to certain pathogen enzymes, and to certain toxic chemicals, such as air pollutants.