Final answer:
Mitochondria have a double membrane, with a highly folded inner membrane called cristae, which increases the surface area for ATP synthesis. The structure is essential for cellular respiration, where ATP is produced using high-energy electron carriers like NADH and FADH2 generated in the Krebs cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the Structure of a Mitochondrion Supports ATP Synthesis
The mitochondrion's structure is highly specialized for its function in cellular respiration. A mitochondrion has an outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane known as the cristae. These cristae increase the surface area of the inner membrane, which is crucial because it is the site where ATP synthesis takes place. The folds allow for a greater number of ATP synthase molecules, which are responsible for converting ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP using energy derived from the electron transport chain. The fluid-filled interior, the mitochondrial matrix, houses enzymes and substrates for the Krebs cycle, which generates high-energy electron carriers that transport electrons to the electron transport chain on the inner membrane. All eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria, with the exception of some cells in certain organisms that rely exclusively on anaerobic respiration. Muscle cells and neurons, for instance, are rich in mitochondria due to their high demand for ATP. The high-energy electron carriers produced during the Krebs cycle, such as NADH and FADH2, play a crucial role in the mitochondrial function of generating ATP.