NEETBotanyCell - The Unit of Life
What is the function of the cristae in the mitochondria?
Options
- ATo increase the surface area
- BTo produce cellular energy
- CTo divide the organelle by fission
- DTo store single circular DNA molecules
Correct answer
A. To increase the surface area
Step-by-step solution
The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called the cristae (sing.: crista) towards the matrix (Figure 8.7). The cristae increase the surface area . The two membranes have their own specific enzymes associated with the mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration. They produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, hence they are called ‘power houses’ of the cell. The matrix also possesses single circular DNA molecule, a few RNA molecules, ribosomes (70S) and the components required