Crista

Crista is a term used in anatomy and cell biology that refers to a fold or a ridge. In the context of cell biology, it is often used to refer to the inner membrane folds of mitochondria. These folds are where the electron transport chain takes place, a crucial part of cellular respiration.

Anatomy

In anatomy, the term 'crista' is used to describe a ridge or crest-like structure. For example, the crista galli is a ridge of bone in the skull that projects up into the cranial cavity. It is part of the ethmoid bone and serves as an attachment point for the falx cerebri, a fold of the dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Cell Biology

In cell biology, 'crista' refers to the folds of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. These folds increase the surface area of the inner mitochondrial membrane, enhancing its ability to produce ATP during the process of cellular respiration. The cristae contain proteins for the electron transport chain, as well as the enzyme ATP synthase, which generates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Clinical Significance

Changes in the shape and number of mitochondrial cristae have been associated with a number of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. In these diseases, the mitochondria may not function properly, leading to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in the production of harmful reactive oxygen species.

See Also

• Mitochondrion
• Cellular respiration
• Electron transport chain
• ATP synthase

References

Crista Resources
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