mitochondria

• outer membrane

  • smooth, permeable to several small molecules
  • not permeable to H+ ions- maintaining concentration gradient
• inner membrane

  • folded= cristae
  • sites of the electron transport chain-oxidative phosphorylation
  • location of ATP synthase enzymes
• intermembrane space

  • Low PH, high concentration of H+ ions
  • concentration gradient across inner membrane formed during oxidative phosphorylation- essential for ATP synthesis
• the matrix

  • aqeuous solution within the inner membrane of the mitochondria