If mitochondria lose their cristae, the correct outcome would be c) ATP synthesis would decrease.
The cristae are essential for the efficient functioning of the mitochondria, as they increase the surface area of the inner membrane where critical processes take place, particularly oxidative phosphorylation. This process relies on the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, both of which are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Without the cristae, there would be a significant reduction in the available surface area for these proteins, leading to diminished ATP production. In addition, the cristae help maintain the chemical gradient necessary for ATP synthesis; without them, the overall efficiency of ATP generation would decline.
Therefore, the loss of cristae directly hampers the mitochondria’s ability to produce ATP, making option c the most accurate choice.