Structure of the Mitochondrion

Question 1

Structure of Mitochondrion

Answer 1

• 2 phospholipid membranes
• Outer membrane is smooth and permeable to small molecules
• Inner membrane is folded into cristae
• Where electron transport chain is located
• Intermembrane space contains a high concentration of protons
• Matrix contains ribosomes, enzymes and mitochondrial DNA

Question 2

Purpose of high surface area in cristae

Answer 2

Large surface area so membrane can hold lots of electron transport chains, so more ATP produced in oxidative phosphorylation