Explain how temperature influences membrane fluidity and composition. Additionally explain how bacteria and fungi which can grow at different temperature adapt to changes in membrane fluidity.
Membrane Fluidity Influences its physiological function
Influenced by two major factors : Temperature and lipid composition
of the membrane At Low temperature – fluidity is less ? As the
temperature increases - the hydrophobic side chains undergo a
transition from the ordered state to a disordered one – increase in
fluidity The temperature at which the structure undergoes the
transition from ordered to disordered state is called the
"transition temperature" (Tm).
Fluidity of membrane maintained by : length of hydrocarbon chain
degree of unsaturation ? Short chain FA – increase the fluidity
Long chain FA– decrease the fluidity unsaturated FA that exist in
the cis configuration – increase the fluidity ? More the number of
double bonds – greater is the fluidity. Trans FA- decrease the
fluidity of membrane
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