Final answer:
The inner mitochondrial membrane contains a high concentration of protein because it houses the electron transport chain, which is vital for ATP production during cellular respiration. The cristae within it increase the surface area for more proteins, facilitating efficient energy synthesis. Option B is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inner mitochondrial membrane has a very high concentration of protein because it houses the electron transport chain. The inner mitochondrial membrane is involved in cellular respiration, where it serves as the site for the electron transport chain which is critical for ATP synthesis.
The inner membrane's folds, known as cristae, increase its surface area to accommodate a higher number of integral proteins involved in these processes. These proteins are essential for creating an electrochemical gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Integral proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane are core components of the electron transport chain, which is indispensable for aerobic respiration. These proteins enable the transport of electrons and the establishment of a proton gradient necessary for ATP production.
Additionally, the inner membrane also contains the mitochondrial matrix that houses other critical elements such as mitochondrial DNA, ribosomes, and metabolic enzymes. The large protein concentration is not due to the membrane being impermeable to proteins or being a storage site for genetic material; rather, it is reflective of the functional density of the respiratory machinery.