Cristae

Definition

Cristae are internal compartments formed by the inner membrane folding over itself within mitochondria. They provide an increased surface area for chemical reactions that produce ATP.

Related terms

Inner mitochondrial membrane: This is where cristae reside; it separates matrix from intermembrane space, much like walls separate different rooms in an office building.

Oxidative phosphorylation: This process happens on cristae and produces ATP from nutrients, similar to how work done in offices leads to completed projects or products.

Proton gradient: Created across cristae during electron transport chain, it's like the motivation or driving force that gets work done in an office.