Karbonüülkese

Karbonüülkese, also known as carbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone (CCPH), is an organic compound with the chemical formula C13H9N4. It is a derivative of phenylhydrazine and is characterized by the presence of a carbonyl cyanide group. This chemical structure lends itself to a variety of applications, particularly in biochemistry and cell biology research.

CCPH is widely recognized for its ability to act as an ionophore. Ionophores are molecules that facilitate the transport of ions across biological membranes, such as cell membranes. Karbonüülkese, specifically, is known to transport protons (H+) across these membranes. This property makes it a useful tool for studying cellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, and membrane potential.

In the laboratory, CCPH is often used to dissipate the proton gradient that is essential for ATP synthesis in mitochondria. By disrupting this gradient, researchers can investigate the mechanisms of energy production within cells and understand the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction. Its use can help in determining the efficiency of electron transport chains and the coupling between electron transport and proton pumping.

Furthermore, karbonüülkese can serve as a probe for studying ion fluxes in various cellular compartments. Its lipophilic nature allows it to readily cross lipid bilayers, and its interaction with protons enables the monitoring of pH changes and proton gradients. While a valuable research tool, it is important to note that CCPH is a potent chemical and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions.