Question

In cold temperatures, organisms will: a. Increase the double bonds in membrane fatty acids. b. Decrease double bonds in the membrane fatty acids. c. Decrease the length of the fatty acid chains in the membrane. d. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct anser is A.

Organisms will increse the number of double bonds in memrane fatty acids. It is because in cold weather the membrane needs to maintain its fluidity. So the cell will incorporate more of mono or polyunsaturated lipids in its membrane. Incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids will decrease the melting temperature but increase in boiling point. And to adapt the cold climate we are interested in lowering down the melting temperature so that the membrane maintains its fluidity.