What is the difference between Cristae and Cisternae

The main difference between cristae and cisternae is that cristae are the folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that enclose the mitochondrial matrix, while cisternae are the flattened structures that make up the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum . Cristae give the inner membrane of the mitochondria a characteristic wrinkled shape, while the Golgi apparatus contains about 3-20 cisterns. In addition, cristae contain proteins, including ATP synthase and a number of cytochromes, while cisterns contain various types of enzymes.

Cristae and cisternae are two structures found in different types of organelles . However, they have different structures and functions within the cell.

Key areas covered

1. What are cristae - definition, structure, function 2. What are cisternae - definition, structure, function 3. What are the similarities between cristae and cisternae - overview of the similarities 4. What is the difference between cristae and cisternae - comparison of Main differences

key terms

Cisternae, cristae, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria

What are cristae?

Cristae are the folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane. They result in a characteristic wrinkled shape that offers a large surface area to facilitate the occurrence of chemical reactions. Cristae also contain proteins such as ATP synthase and a number of cytochromes, which are essential for aerobic cell respiration. Hence the main function of Cristae is to traverse an electron transport chain.

Difference Between Cristae and Cisternae

Figure 1: Cristae

In addition, NADH is oxidized to NAD +, H + ions and electrons in the electron transport chain. FADH2 is oxidized to FAD, H + ions and electrons. All enzymes that are required for these oxidation reactions are found in the cristae. Eventually, these electrons travel through the cristae's cytochromes as they release energy to the hydrogen pumps. This eventually creates an electrochemical gradient that causes chemiosmosis and converts ADP to ATP through the action of ATP synthase .

What are cisterns?

Cisterns are the flattened membrane disks that occur both in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the Golgi apparatus. Generally, the Golgi apparatus contains 3-20 cisterns. However, most of the Golgi apparatus contains six cisterns. In addition, there are four classes of Golgi cisterns. They are cis, medial, trans and trans Golgi Network (TGN). All of them contain different types of enzymes. In addition, the main function of cisterns is to package and modify proteins and polysaccharides. Basically, compounds enter the Golgi apparatus from the cis surface exit from the trans surface after packaging is done.

Figure 2: Cisterns

In addition, the function of cisterns changes depending on the degree of maturity. In general, the main function of the immature cisterns is to receive COPII vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, COPII vesicles envelop proteins that are to be transported from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. This allows new cisterns to form. The next stage is the exchange stage of the carbohydrate synthesis materials via COPI vesicles. At this stage, both polysaccharide synthesis and glycosylation take place. Ultimately, the stage of maturity occurs when the cargo proteins migrate into the transport carriers that detach from the cisterns.

Similarities Between Cristae and Cisternae

Cristae and cisternae are two types of structures in different organelles of the cell.
In addition, they have different functions depending on the type of organelle.

Difference Between Cristae and Cisternae

definition

Cristae refer to each of the divisions in a mitochondrion formed by folding in the inner membrane, while cisterns refer to the flattened membrane disc of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.

Structural importance

In addition, cristae give the inner membrane of the mitochondria a characteristic, wrinkled shape, while the Golgi apparatus contains about 3-20 cisterns.

Functional meaning

While cristae contain proteins, including ATP synthase and a number of cytochromes, cisterns contain different types of enzymes.

diploma

In short, cristae are the wrinkled inner membranes of the mitochondria that contain proteins including ATP synthase and a number of cytochromes. On the other hand, cisterns are the flattened membrane disks of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Generally, the Golgi apparatus contains 3-20 cisterns that contain different types of enzymes. Hence, the main difference between cristae and cisternae is in their structure and function.

References:

1. Cooper-GM. The cell: a molecular approach. 2nd Edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2000. Mitochondria. Available here . 2. Huang, Shijiao and Yanzhuang Wang. "Formation, function and post-translational modifications of the Golgi structure in mammalian cells." F1000Research vol. 6 2050. Nov. 27, 2017, doi: 10.12688 / f1000research.11900.1