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.
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)
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.
Cristae (singular; crista)
mitochondrion
Mitochondria are bean shaped and have a tightly folded inner membrane that looks like a complicated maze.
Foldings increases surface area.So respiration can be done efficiently.
mitochondria
No! Read. E-mail me when you find the answer.
Mitochondria
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.
The mitochondria
Cristae (singular; crista)
The mitochondria are surrounded by two membranes, the outer is smooth & the inner is folded into critae which increase the surface area. :)
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.
so there is more area for the production of ATP
Cristae (singular; crista)
mitochondrion
Mitochondria looks like a bean. Inside it is folded into small open sections. See the link below for a picture: