What is the advantage of highly folded membranes in a cell? Name an organelle that uses this strategy.

The advantage of highly folded membranes in a cell is that it maximizes the surface area available for various cellular processes to occur. By increasing the surface area, cells can accommodate more organelles, proteins, and specialized structures involved in crucial functions such as cellular respiration, nutrient absorption, and signal transduction.

One of the organelles that utilizes this strategy is the mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration. They consist of two membranes: the outer membrane and the highly folded inner membrane called cristae. These cristae greatly increase the surface area within the mitochondria, allowing for more efficient production of ATP.

To find this answer, one can start by understanding the concept of cellular compartments and organelles. Identify the key function that requires a large surface area within a cell, such as energy production. Then analyze the structure and characteristics of organelles involved in this function, such as the mitochondria. By linking the advantages of folded membranes to organelles with specific functions, the answer can be derived.