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The mitochondria itself is not highly folded. The inner membrane of the mitochondria is, and this increases the surface area of the membrane while not changing the volume enclosed by it. The inner membrane contains ATP synthase, which is an enzyme that stimulates the production of ATP, which the cell uses as an energy source. This means that with more membrane, the cells ability to produce ATP, or energy, is increased.

This is enforced by the observation that in cells with a high demand for energy, such as muscle cells, the inner mitochondrial membrane has a lot more folds than in cells like liver cells, which have a lower energy demand.

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15y ago
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13y ago

So that there is more room for the production of ATP.

(If it is tightly folded there is more folds, which means that there is more surface area)

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Q: Why is mitochondria highly folded?
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Related questions

What is a series of highly folded membranes suspended in the cytoplasm with nothing attached to its outside?

mitochondria


The area enclosed by the highly folded inner mitochondrial membrane is the?

No! Read. E-mail me when you find the answer.


Why is the inner membrane folded?

Mitochondria


Which is an organelle found in the cytoplasm has a smooth outer membrane and greatly folded inner membrane?

Endoplasmic Reticulum: a series of highly folded membranes, "rough" endoplasmic reticulum has many ribosomes attached to it. "Smooth" endoplasmic reticulum has no ribosomes attached to it and is the structure where fats (lipids) are made but both types of endoplasmic reticulum carry materials through the cytoplasm.


What is a series of folded membranes that moves materials around in a cell?

The mitochondria


What are the folded layers of the inner membrane in mitochondria?

Cristae (singular; crista)


What contains a smooth outer and folded inner membrane in a cell?

The mitochondria are surrounded by two membranes, the outer is smooth & the inner is folded into critae which increase the surface area. :)


What are folded layers of the inner membrane in mitochondria called?

I think you are referring to the cristae. These are the folded parts of the inner membrane. The purpose is to increase surface area of the inner membrane against the matrix. The membrane is the site of the energy transfer in the mitochondria, so having more surface area is a plus.


Why are the membranes of mitochondria tightly folded?

so there is more area for the production of ATP


What are the folded layers in the inner membrane in mitochondria called?

Cristae (singular; crista)


Has an outer membrane and an inner one which is folded to form cristae?

mitochondrion


What does mitochondria look Iike?

Mitochondria looks like a bean. Inside it is folded into small open sections. See the link below for a picture: