Some individuals with defective mitochondria in their muscles are extremely limited in their ability to exercise. Muscle biopsy, followed by microscopic examination of the mitochondria, reveal that the mitochondria are of normal size, but their inner membranes are not as convoluted as normal mitochondria. How can this mitochondrial defect cause the described symptoms in these individuals?
A)It can't. There must be something wrong with another part of the muscle cells.
B)A less convoluted membrane is more permeable, so ATP cannot be synthesized efficiently.
C)A less convoluted inner membrane has less surface area available to create the proton electrochemical gradient needed for ATP production.
D)The less convoluted inner membrane causes the two membranes of a mitochondrion to adhere together, decreasing the organelle's effectiveness.
E)There is not enough information to determine the cause.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The convoluted inner membrane of mitochondria allows for more surface area to be available for the electron transport chain to create the proton electrochemical gradient needed for ATP production. A less convoluted membrane would result in less area for this gradient to be established, leading to decreased efficiency in ATP synthesis. This decreased ability to produce ATP can limit the individual's ability to exercise.

Some Individuals with Defective Mitochondria in Their Muscles Are Extremely