In a cross-section, the outer membrane of a mitochondrion is a rectangle 2.0 µm long and 0.8 µm…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
In a cross-section, the outer membrane of a mitochondrion is a rectangle µm long and µm wide. The inner membrane runs µm inside it. It then folds into cristae, each reaching µm into the matrix, and each fold adds two walls of that depth. Find the outline of the outer membrane, of the inner membrane before folding, and of the inner membrane with its cristae.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
A mitochondrion has an outer membrane and an inner membrane folded into cristae, an outer compartment and a matrix. The matrix holds circular DNA and 70S ribosomes. Plastids: chloroplasts (chlorophyll), chromoplasts (carotene, xanthophylls), and leucoplasts: amyloplasts (starch), elaioplasts (oils and fats), aleuroplasts (proteins).
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The outer membrane. µm.
Step 2. The inner membrane, flat. It is µm by µm: µm.
Step 3. The cristae. Each adds two walls of µm: µm.
Step 4. The inner membrane, folded. µm, about twice the outer outline.
Answer: outer µm; inner, flat, µm; inner with cristae µm.
Discussion (0)
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…