In liver cells, the inner mitochondrial membranes are about five times the area of the outer mitochondrial membranes. What purpose must this serve?
A) It allows for an increased rate of glycolysis.
B) It allows for an increased rate of the citric acid cycle.
C) It increases the surface for oxidative phosphorylation.
D) It increases the surface for substrate-level phosphorylation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The larger inner mitochondrial membranes provide a greater surface area for oxidative phosphorylation, the process by which ATP is produced through the electron transport chain. This process occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane and requires a large surface area to facilitate the necessary reactions. This is particularly important in liver cells, which require a large amount of ATP for their metabolic functions.

In Liver Cells, the Inner Mitochondrial Membranes Are About Five