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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Mitochondria have highly folded inner membranes called cristae to increase the surface area available for chemical reactions and energy production. This structure allows for more space for electron transport chain proteins and ATP synthase complexes, which are essential for generating energy in the form of ATP.
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)
Cristae (singular; crista)
Folded layers of the inner membrane in mitochondria are called cristae. They play a crucial role in increasing the surface area of the inner membrane, where many of the proteins involved in cellular respiration are located.
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in eukaryotic cells responsible for generating ATP through cellular respiration. They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, suggesting they might have evolved from symbiotic bacteria. Mitochondria have a highly folded inner membrane called cristae, which increases the surface area for ATP production.
This description matches the structure of mitochondria. The outer membrane of mitochondria surrounds the organelle, while the inner membrane is folded into numerous layers called cristae, which help increase the surface area for energy production through oxidative phosphorylation.
Foldings increases surface area.So respiration can be done efficiently.