Biology · CELL THE UNIT OF LIFE

Refer to the longitudinal section of a mitochondrion shown in the provided figure (Figure 8.7). What is the primary functional consequence of the structural infoldings labelled as 'Crista'?

1. They serve as mechanical partitions that completely isolate the matrix from taking part in ATP synthesis.
2. They increase the surface area of the inner mitochondrial membrane for enzymatic processes associated with cellular aerobic respiration.
3. They eliminate the inter-membrane space to allow direct diffusion of nuclear DNA into the lumen.
4. They provide attachment surfaces exclusively for 80S cytosolic ribosomes during protein translation.