Intermembrane space

Schematic representation of the respiratory chain with inner and outer mitochondrial membrane and the intermembrane space in between.

In cell biology and histology, the intermembrane space is the space that is located within a double membrane . Such a space is located, for example, between the outer and inner membrane of mitochondria , plastids and the nuclear envelope .

Some enzymes such as creatine kinase or adenylate kinase are located in the intermembrane space of the mitochondria . These enzymes convert the energy carrier ATP into other substances or synthesize those from ADP . Porin , a channel-forming transmembrane protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane, ensures that intermediate products of the respiratory chain as well as other substances necessary for function can pass through the intermembrane space.