Final answer:
The mitochondria have two membranes: the smooth outer membrane that separates the mitochondrion from the cytosol, and the inner membrane with cristae that increase the surface area for ATP production. The space within the inner membrane is called the mitochondrial matrix, housing mitochondrial DNA and enzymes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of the Two Membranes of the Mitochondria
The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, are double membrane organelles that play a crucial role in energy production. These organelles have two phospholipid bilayer membranes: the outer mitochondrial membrane and the inner mitochondrial membrane. The outer membrane creates a boundary between the mitochondrion and the cytosol, while the inner membrane contains numerous folds, known as cristae, which serve to increase its surface area thereby enhancing the mitochondrion's ability to produce ATP. The inner membrane also houses important proteins involved in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration.
Located between these two membranes is the intermembrane space, whereas the area enclosed by the inner membrane is called the mitochondrial matrix. It is in the matrix that the mitochondrial DNA, ribosomes, and metabolic enzymes are found, underlying the significant functions of ATP synthesis and other aspects of cellular respiration that occur within the mitochondrion.