Answer
By increasing the surface area within the mitochodrial matrix space, the cristae, or folds, of the inner membrane of a mitochondria facilitates aerobic respiration and increases ATP production.
Mitochondria are vital energy producing organelles of eukaryotic cells. Most mitochondria are ovoid in structure. They are covered with a double membrane (inner and outer)-- with a space between them; both membranes are similar in structure to the plasma membrane. The outer membrane is regular in conformation but the inner membrane forms several folds in the inner space. These folds are called cristae and they partially compartmentalize the inner or matrix space. The substance in the matrix space is more viscous than the cytosol.
Work Step by Step
The mitochondrial DNA), enzymes and ribosomes are associated with the cristae all have important functions. However, the most important role of the cristae is to increase the surface area for the carrying out of cellular respiration ( the Krebs cycle ). This is the process in which ATP, the energy currency molecule of the cell, is synthesized from ADP and Pi . This process utilizes the electron motive force produced through the electron transport chain which involves NADH, FADH2, and the mitochondrial transport proteins. Because of the essential function of the mitochondria in ATP generation they have been called the " the powerhouses of the cell". The number of mitochondria in a cell varies greatly-- from hundreds to thousands. The number is greater in metabolically active cells like liver cells, kidney cells and muscle cells which have great need for ATP derived energy.
