Question

How does the structure of the inner membrane of the mitochondria increase cellular respiration?

a. The inner membrane is smooth, which allows oxygen molecules to attach.
b. The inner membrane is lined with cilia, which allows respiration through the mitochondria.
c. The inner membrane is folded, which increases the surface area where respiration occurs.
d. The inner membrane is circular in shape, which affects the rate at which glucose is metabolized.

Answer 1

The structure of the inner membrane of the mitochondria increases cellular respiration because it is folded, providing a larger surface area for important metabolic processes like the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure of the inner membrane of the mitochondria increases cellular respiration because it is folded, which increases the surface area where respiration occurs.

The folds in the inner membrane are called cristae, and they provide a larger surface area for the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis, which are crucial steps in cellular respiration.

The increased surface area allows for more efficient respiration and production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell.