Biology Marking Period 2 Test Practice

Which feature increases the surface area of mitochondria for energy production?

The mitochondrial matrix Cristae The outer membrane Ribosomes

Correct Answer:

Cristae

Explanation:

Increase in energy production comes from having more inner-membrane area to host the machinery that makes ATP. The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane, called cristae, massively expand that surface area. With more membrane space, more electron transport chain complexes and ATP synthase units can be present, allowing more protons to be pumped and more ATP to be synthesized. The mitochondrial matrix is where the citric acid cycle occurs, not where the surface area for respiration is expanded. The outer membrane surrounds the organelle and doesn’t contribute directly to ATP production. Ribosomes are for protein synthesis and don’t increase the inner membrane’s surface area for energy generation.

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