Question

Identify the substances that can readily pass through the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Answer 1

Answer:

A,C E

Explanation:

The inner membrane of the mitochondria separate the matrix of the mitochondria from the cytosol(inner membrane space.). It is invaginated  folded inwards  to form the critae. This is an adaptive feature to increase the surface area for biochemical reaction in the mitochondria.

The invagination gives two compartments the inner mitochondria also creates the outer intermembrane space and the inner matrix

These are the substances that can pass freely the inner membrane of the mitochondria.Pyruvate and H+ can not pass through.Specifically,it is not preamble to H+ because, hydrogen ions are needed to generate the electrochemical gradients needed for the chemical energy  for phosphorylation of ADP by  P to form ATPs by the enzyme ATPase synthase.If the inner membrane is permeable to H+ the electochemical gradient will not be produced, and therefore ATPs productions stops.

O2 needs to pass through the inner membrane because it it the final electron acceptor. Therefore if not allowed to pass through oxidative phosphorylation  and ETC will nor occur.

CO2 must pass through because its accumulation will increase the acidity of the inner  mitochondria