Question

Which one of the following statements regarding mitochondrial membrane is not correct

• A. The outer membrane resembles a sieve
• B. The outer membrane is permeable to all kinds of molecules
• C. The enzymes of electron transfer chain are embedded in the outer membrane
• D. The inner membrane is highly convoluted forming a series of in foldings

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The outer membrane of mitochondrion is smooth, freely permeable to most small molecules, contains fewer enzymes and is poor in proteins. It has porin proteins which form channels for the passage of molecules through it. It allows uptake of substrates and release of ATP. The inner membrane is semipermeable and regulates the passage of materials into and out of the mitochondrion. It is rich in enzymes and carrier proteins (permeases). It is usually produced into numerous infolds called cristae (singular crista). It bears minute regularly spaced lollipop-shaped particles known as oxysomes. The rest of the inner membrane contains the electron carrier molecules of the electron transport chain.