How is the structure of the mitochondrion well adapted for the activities it carries out?

Answer 1

Much of respiration takes place in the mitochondria. Mitochondria have a double membrane: the outer membrane contains many protein channels, which let almost any small molecule through; while the inner membrane is more normal and is impermeable to most materials. The inner membrane is highly folded into folds called cristae, giving a larger surface area. The electron microscope reveals blobs on the inner membrane, which were originally called stalked particles. These have now been identified as the enzyme complex that synthesises ATP, are is more correctly called ATP synthase. the space inside the inner membrane is called the matrix, and is where the Krebs cycle takes place (the matrix also contains DNA and some genes are replicated and expressed here).

Answer 2

An envelope of two membranes encloses the mitochondrion. There is a space between the outer and inner membranes. The highly folded inner membrane encloses a thick fluid called the matrix. This folding pattern allows reactions to take place in many sites.

Answer 3

To answer your question, we must first understand what mitochondria structure IS. The mitochondria is a double membraned organelle whose inner membrane is extremely selective in its permeability (it's made up of cardiolipin, which allows for many other functions to occur, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death)). The inner membrane is also corrugated, meaning the membrane has this funky folded shape.

So why is it good? The funky folded shape of the inner membrane is for increased surface area. As you may know, electron transport chains (ETC) which create a proton gradient which is used to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for the cells use reside in and on the inner membrane. The more membrane, the more space for ETCs, the more ATP!

The fact that the inner membrane is highly impermeable allows for different environments to occur in the matrix (space enclosed by the inner membrane) and the intermembrane space (space between the two membranes). Why is this so necessary? It allows for a proton gradient to be formed. Hydrogen ions ('protons') are then shifted from outside of the matrix to the inside while another structure in the membrane, ATP synthase, uses the gradient to create ATP.

Another interesting thing about the inner membrane is that it's highly impermeable to most things EXCEPT oxygen, water and carbon dioxide... from what we know about cellular respiration, the answer should be very clear as to why this is useful... ;D

Answer 4

mitochondria has convoluted membranes that maximize surface area so that more ATPase (enzyme for producing ATP) can be placed for H+ to be pumped through in order to make ATP. Its double membrane structure allows for it to regulate its internal pH to create a proton gradient that is different from the pH of the cytoplasm of the cell. Connection to cytoskeleton allows it to move to areas where more ATP are needed.

i got that from yahooanswers.com.

:) hope it helped!

Answer 5

The mitochondria is well suited to facilitate the oxidative respiration it carries out. The mitochondria exist as separate organelles in order to isolate and protect the cell from the harsh reactions taking place inside. The Inner mitochondrial membrane is highly convoluted in order to maximize surface area to promote maximum energy production.

Answer 6

The inner membrane is folded up so that allows maximum surface area for the electron transport chain.