Mitochondrial proteins are proteins that reside within the mitochondria of cells, including within the cristae of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondrial proteins are generally involved in mitochondrial function, including carrying out reactions of the electron transport chain.

The uptake of glucose, which serves as a primary source of metabolic energy, is one of the most important transport functions of the plasma membrane, and the glucose transporter provides a well-studied example of a carrier protein.

Proteins destined for the nucleus contain NLSs. These short stretches of amino acids interact with proteins located in the cytoplasm, on the nuclear envelope, and/or at the nuclear pore complex. Following binding at the pore complex, proteins are translocated through the pore into the nucleus in a manner requiring ATP.

Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions. Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

The mitochondrial cristae are where electrons are passed through the electron transport chain, which pumps protons to power the production of energy molecules called ATP. All of this results in the pumping of hydrogen ions, the conversion of oxygen gas into water, and the production of ATP.

Cristae are located on the inner membrane of mitochondria and mitochondria are located in the cell cytoplasm, not the nucleus.

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 ATP production to occur. In fact, without them, the mitochondrion would not be able to keep up with the cell’s ATP needs.