Mitochondrial membranes can refer to the inner or outer membrane of a mitochondrial cell. Eukaryotes have mitochondria responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration. The inner membrane forms cristae, while the outer membrane acts as a filter. The cristae have a larger surface area for enzyme production, providing more energy for the cell.
For purposes of definition, the term mitochondrial membrane can mean either the inner or outer membrane of a mitochondrial cell, depending on the context in which the term is used. Therefore, the membranes associated with mitochondria are identified as inner mitochondrial membrane or outer mitochondrial membrane. The outer membrane of a mitochondrion is smooth and surrounds the entire organelle. Comparatively, the inner mitochondrial membrane forms cristae, a twisting, twisting pathway that resembles the folds of a brain.
To fully understand mitochondrial membranes, one must first understand eukaryotes and how their cellular structure relates to mitochondria. Organisms with complex membrane-based cell structures, including plants, animals, and humans, are known as eukaryotes. All oxygen-dependent eukaryotes have mitochondria. Mitochondria appear within each eukaryotic cell and are responsible for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a chemical energy source derived from oxygen and various nutrients.
Under high-power magnification, mitochondria appear oval or oblong in shape, with a double membrane and an internal area known as the matrix. There are numerous mitochondria within a single cell, with their exact shapes and sizes depending on the specific cell type. Also, the mitochondria of one organism look different from those of another organism.
It is the job of the mitochondria to perform aerobic respiration, the process of transforming oxygen and nutrients into ATP. This process occurs along the cristae or inner mitochondrial membrane using membrane-embedded enzymes and matrix proteins. Once ATP is produced, the cell uses the chemical as an energy source to enable cell movement, cell division, and other metabolic functions.
While the inner mitochondrial membrane helps in the production of ATP, the outer mitochondrial membrane acts as a filter. Using a protein called a porin, the outer membrane forms channels that only allow molecules of a certain size to enter the mitochondria. Once inside, the molecules are further filtered by the inner membrane. Only those molecules that are predetermined as crucial for ATP production are allowed to pass through the inner membrane.
Both the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes serve an important purpose in the overall function of the mitochondria. While both serve a purpose, most organelle activity involves the inner mitochondrial membrane and matrix. When size comparisons are considered, the crest is considerably larger than the outer membrane, due to its twisted and convoluted nature. With the larger surface area of the cristae, each mitochondrion is able to house more of the enzymes needed to produce ATP, thus providing the cell with more energy to function.
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