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Question 560
Biochemistry → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Which pairing correctly distinguishes the outer from the inner mitochondrial membrane?
Question Stem
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Options
A
Outer—cristae; inner—acetyl-CoA synthetase
B
Outer—respiratory chain; inner—glycerophosphate acetyltransferase
C
Outer—smooth and containing enzymes including acetyl-CoA synthetase; inner—folded into cristae
D
Outer—contains chromatin; inner—contains nucleolus
E
Outer—contains acid hydrolases; inner—performs lysosomal degradation
Explanation
The mitochondrial outer membrane is smooth and contains enzymes including acetyl-CoA synthetase and glycerophosphate acetyltransferase. The inner membrane is folded to form cristae, which contain proteins and enzymes involved in respiration and ATP synthesis.
Option Validity
A) Cristae are folds of the inner rather than outer mitochondrial membrane.
B) Respiratory-chain components are associated with the inner membrane/cristae rather than the outer membrane.
D) Chromatin and the nucleolus are nuclear structures.
E) Acid hydrolases and intracellular digestion are lysosomal characteristics.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1: Basic Sciences in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Chapter 4 — Mitochondrion. Printed pages 126–127.