Please explain properly

14. The inner membrane of a mitochondrion has lots of folds, or cristae, giving it lots of surface area for electron transport chains. Suppose the inner membrane were smooth instead. How would having less surface area affect energy production in a cell?

Dear Student, Mitochondrial cristae are folds of the mitochondrial inner membrane that provide an increase in the surface area. Having more cristae gives the mitochondrion more locations for reactions and ATP production to occur. In fact, without them, the mitochondrion would not be able to keep up with the cell's ATP needs. Regards