Question

why the diameter of mitochondria remain fairl constant when the length is so variable?

Answer 1

Answer:

• It’s because inside a mitochondria u can find some infoldings which are finger like projections called cristae.
• They increase the surface area, surface area for more respiratory enzymes for attachment with them so that the oxidative phosphorylation can occur at faster and higher rate.
• As you know, the higher is the conc. of an enzyme, the faster is the reaction rate if the substrate is not a limiting factor.
• The fairly constant diameter of mitochondria enables the S.A. for respiratory enzyme to be attached is fixed so that the energy releasing rate won;t be affected by the various shape of an mitochondrion.