The membranes of psychrophilic bacteria have relatively high levels of __________ fatty acids,which allow them to remain semifluid at cold temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their carbon chain, which prevents them from packing tightly together. This results in a more fluid and flexible membrane, which is essential for psychrophilic bacteria to survive in cold temperatures. Saturated fatty acids, on the other hand, have no double bonds and tend to pack tightly together, making the membrane more rigid and less adaptable to different temperatures. Sterols and aromatics are not typically found in bacterial membranes.

The Membranes of Psychrophilic Bacteria Have Relatively High Levels of __________