ATPase assists in the formation of cristae. Oligomers of ATP synthase dimers facilitate cristae formation, creating an area where the protons (red balls) are concentrated and have ready access to the Fo portion of the ATP synthase. The electron transport chain is represented by the yellow cylinders embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
[Information from K. M. Davies et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 108: 14121–