Cristae: Mitochondrial Structure — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2021The inner compartment is filled with a dense homogeneous substance called the matrix. The outer membrane forms the continuous limiting boundary of the organelle. The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called the cristae (sing.: crista) towards the matrix. The cristae increase the surface area. The two membranes have their own specific enzymes associated with the mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration. They produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, hence they are called 'power houses' of the cell. The matrix also possesses single circular DNA molecule, a few RNA molecules, ribosomes (70S) and the components required for the synthesis of proteins. The mitochondria divide by fission.
Cristae are infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane that significantly increase surface area for aerobic respiration. NEET frequently tests whether students confuse cristae with other mitochondrial features—many mistakenly think they're part of the outer membrane or assume they're found in the matrix itself. Remember: cristae are exclusively infoldings of the INNER membrane only, and this increased surface area is crucial for housing enzymes involved in the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis. Since cristae directly relate to mitochondrial function as 'powerhouses' and ATP production, this structure remains a high-probability NEET topic appearing consistently in multiple years.
This paragraph was tested 4 times in NEET.
Match List–I with List–II: List–I (a) Cristae (b) Thylakoids (c) Centromere (d) Cisternae List–II (i) Primary constriction in chromosome (ii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus (iii) Infoldings in mitochondria (iv) Flattened membranous sacs in stroma of plastids NEET 2021
Which of the following statements regarding mitochondria is incorrect? NEET 2019
Which of the following cell organelles is responsible for extracting energy from carbohydrates to form ATP? (NEET 2017)
Mitochondria and chloroplast are (A) Semi-autonomous organelles (B) Formed by division of pre-existing organelles and they contain DNA but lack protein synthesising machinery. Which one of the following options is correct? (NEET 2016 Phase 1)
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