Question
Which of the following best describes the cell membranes of microbes that thrive at low temperatures? (A) They have only one layer. (B) They have relatively even amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. (C) They have relatively high amounts of saturated fatty acids. (D) They have relatively high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.
Ask by Johnson Riley. in the United States
Feb 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
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Answer
Microbes that live in cold places have cell membranes with a lot of unsaturated fatty acids to keep their membranes flexible and fluid.
Solution
The correct answer is (D) They have relatively high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.
Microbes that thrive in cold environments (psychrophiles) need to maintain the fluidity of their cell membranes despite low temperatures, which can otherwise make membranes too rigid. Unsaturated fatty acids, which contain one or more double bonds, introduce kinks in their acyl chains. These kinks prevent tight packing of the fatty acids, thereby increasing membrane fluidity. This adaptation is crucial for proper cellular function in cold conditions.
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Simplify this solution The Deep Dive
Microbes that thrive in cold environments, like polar bacteria, have adapted their cell membranes to remain fluid at lower temperatures. This is achieved by incorporating a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which help prevent the membranes from becoming too rigid and maintain functionality. Conversely, organisms functioning in warmer conditions typically favor saturated fatty acids to maintain membrane stability. The unique balance of fatty acids in cold-adapted microbes is a remarkable example of nature’s versatility in responding to diverse environmental challenges!
