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Why is the inner mitochondrial membrane folded into cristae?
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mitochondrion
Mitochondria (red) are found throughout the cytoplasm of almost all eukaryotic cells (cell nucleus is shown in blue; cytoskeleton is shown in yellow).
The inner mitochondrial membrane is elaborately folded into structures known as cristae to dramatically increase the surface area of the membrane.1
This increased surface area is essential for the organelle's metabolic functions, as the cristae membrane is studded with enzymatic proteins and complexes that facilitate cellular respiration. Specifically, these membranes house the electron transport chain, where proteins and coenzymes work to transfer electrons and pump protons across the membrane. By providing a larger area for these proteins to reside, the cristae allow for a more efficient production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell.123