AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mitochondria, organelles specialized to carry out aerobic respiration, contain an inner membrane folded into cristae, which form two separate compartments: the inner membrane space and the matrix. The Krebs Cycle takes place in the matrix.

Detailed explanation-2: -The mitochondrial matrix is the site of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a series of enzymatic reactions initiated by the conversion of pyruvate and fatty acids to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). Pyruvate and fatty acids are transported into mitochondria from the cytoplasm by membrane-bound permeases.

Detailed explanation-3: -The matrix contains the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the mitochondrial genome and the enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle, or Krebs cycle), which metabolizes nutrients into by-products the mitochondrion can use for energy production.

Detailed explanation-4: -The inner membrane of the mitochondrion folds inwards, forming the cristae.

Detailed explanation-5: -In eukaryotes, the Krebs cycle reactions take place in the mitochondrial matrix, a dense solution that surrounds the mitochondria crests: in addition to water, the matrix contains all the enzymes necessary for the biochemical reactions of the cycle, coenzymes, and phosphates.