How many membranes does a typical mitochondrion have?

• A. Three membranes
• B. Four membranes
• C. One membrane
• D. Two membranes (an outer membrane and an inner membrane)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of a mitochondrion, which is an organelle known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.
2. Understand that mitochondria have a double membrane system, which is crucial for their function: an outer membrane and an inner membrane.
3. The outer membrane encloses the entire organelle and is relatively permeable to small molecules, while the inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, increasing the surface area for energy production.
4. Recognize that these two membranes create two distinct compartments inside the mitochondrion: the intermembrane space (between the outer and inner membranes) and the mitochondrial matrix (inside the inner membrane).
5. Therefore, the correct answer is that a typical mitochondrion has two membranes: one outer membrane and one inner membrane.