Question

A patient with Luft discase presented with general weakness, excessive perspiration, a high caloric intake without increase in body weight, and an excessively elevated basal metabolic rate. Luft disease was the first disease involving a defect in mitochondria to be described. It is a defect in the mechanism that controls oxygen utilization in mitochondria. Components of the electron transport system and oxidative phosphorylation are found associated with the A. outer mitochondrial membrane. B. inner mitochondrial membrane. C. mitosol. D. peroxisomes. E. protein synthetic components.

Short answer

Answer: B. inner mitochondrial membrane

Step-by-step solution

Review the structure of mitochondria

Mitochondria are usually referred to as "the powerhouse of the cell", responsible for generating most of the cell's energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They have a double-membrane system, an outer membrane, and an inner membrane, separated by the intermembrane space. The inner membrane has many folds called cristae that increase the surface area. Inside the inner membrane, there is the mitochondrial matrix, also known as mitosol.

Understand the electron transport system and oxidative phosphorylation

The electron transport system (ETS) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are crucial processes in cellular respiration that occur in the mitochondria. These processes involve a series of protein complexes and molecules within the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons, pump protons, and ultimately produce ATP. The key to answering this question is to understand that components of these processes, particularly the ETS and OXPHOS, are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Evaluate the given choices

A. outer mitochondrial membrane - This choice is incorrect because the ETS and OXPHOS processes are not located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. B. inner mitochondrial membrane - This choice is correct, as the ETS and OXPHOS components are associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. C. mitosol - Although some enzymes of the citric acid cycle are found within the mitosol, it is not where the ETS and OXPHOS components are located, making this choice incorrect. D. peroxisomes - Peroxisomes are separate organelles involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification, not directly related to ETS and OXPHOS, so this choice is incorrect. E. protein synthetic components - This choice is too general and not specifically related to the location of ETS and OXPHOS components within mitochondria.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the question and understanding of the processes involved, the correct answer is B. inner mitochondrial membrane, where the components of the electron transport system and oxidative phosphorylation are associated.