cell organelles: mitochondria

Question

Cristae increase the surface area for which mitochondrial process?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Mitochondrial Structure**: Mitochondria have a double-membrane structure. The inner membrane is highly folded into finger-like projections called **cristae**.
2. **Purpose of Folding**: Folding significantly increases the surface area available for chemical reactions.
3. **Electron Transport Chain (ETC)**: The enzymes and complexes associated with **Oxidative Phosphorylation** and the **Electron Transport Chain** are embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
4. **ATP Production**: A larger surface area (provided by cristae) allows for more ETC complexes and $ATP$ synthase units to be present, maximizing the cell's ability to produce $ATP$.

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cell organelles: mitochondria

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