The outer membrane shields the organelle and represses it like a skin (3). It also allows the passage of smaller molecules that contain mitochondrion sequences. The inner membrane folds over many times and produces layered structures called cristae (4). The folding of the inner membrane increases the surface area inside the organelle. Since many of the chemical reactions happen on the inner membrane, the increased surface area creates more space for reactions to occur (4). If you have more space to work, you can get more work done. The fluid held inside of the mitochondria is called the matrix. There are also structures called granules which may control concentrations of ions. Mitochondria are special because they have their own ribosomes and DNA floating in the matrix
The outer membrane shields the organelle and represses it like a skin (3). It also allows the passage of smaller molecules that contain mitochondrion sequences. The inner membrane folds over many times and produces layered structures called cristae (4). The folding of the inner membrane increases the surface area inside the organelle. Since many of the chemical reactions happen on the inner membrane, the increased surface area creates more space for reactions to occur (4). If you have more space to work, you can get more work done. The fluid held inside of the mitochondria is called the matrix. There are also structures called granules which may control concentrations of ions. Mitochondria are special because they have their own ribosomes and DNA floating in the matrix