Final answer:
The increased surface area of the inner mitochondrial membranes allows for increased rates of Oxidative phosphorylation, the process by which ATP is generated from ADP and inorganic phosphate, using energy derived from electron transfers in the electron transport chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increased surface area of the inner mitochondrial membranes allows for increased rates of Oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which adenosine triphosphate is generated from adenosine diphosphate and inorganic phosphate, using energy derived from electron transfers in the electron transport chain. During oxidative phosphorylation, the electron transport chain located in the inner mitochondrial membrane transfers electrons and pumps protons across the membrane. This creates an electrochemical gradient, which is then used to drive ATP synthesis. The increased surface area of the inner membrane, due to its folding into cristae, allows for more electron transport chain complexes and ATP synthase molecules to be present, resulting in increased ATP production. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Oxidative phosphorylation.