Which of the following statements regarding mitochondrial membrane is not correct ?
- The inner membrane is highly convoluted forming a series of infoldings
- The outer membrane resembles a sieve
- The outer membrane is permeable to all kinds of molecules
- The enzymes of the electron transfer chain are embedded in the outer membrane
Answer
(4) The enzymes of the electron transfer chain are embedded in the outer membrane
Solution
As per NCERT, each mitochondrion is bounded by two membranes. The outer membrane forms the continuous limiting boundary of the organelle; it contains porins, so it is freely permeable to small molecules and behaves like a sieve.
The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called cristae towards the matrix, which increase its surface area.
∵ The enzymes of the electron transport chain (respiratory chain) are located in the inner membrane (on the cristae), not in the outer membrane.
∴ Statement (4) is not correct.
Answer: (4)