MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -False, the mitochondrial inner membrane is not quite smooth. The mitochondrial inner membrane is heavily convoluted, but the outer membrane is rather smooth. These convoluted folds, also known as cristae, render the membrane impervious to many solutes while increasing its surface area.

Detailed explanation-2: -Consequently, the inner mitochondrial membrane is the functional barrier to the passage of small molecules between the cytosol and the matrix and maintains the proton gradient that drives oxidative phosphorylation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mitochondria are comprised of two membranes: inner membrane and outer membrane. The outer membrane is usually smooth while the inner membrane is folded and, these foldings are referred to as cristae. Cristae have a vital role since they increase the surface area of the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Detailed explanation-4: -The inner mitochondrial membrane contains many copies of a protein called the F0F1ATPase. This is also called ATP synthase. It consists of two parts: the F0 component spans the membrane and provides a channel for protons to move into the matrix from the intermembrane space.