Which characteristic would be expected in the plasma membranes of a plant that can survive winters in Northern Ontario, compared to a plant growing in a warmer region?
A) higher levels of cholesterol
B) a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids
C) a higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids
D) additional glycerol molecules packed in between fatty acid tails

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plants that can survive winter in Northern Ontario will likely have a higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in their plasma membranes. This is because unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their tails, which prevent them from packing tightly together in cold temperatures and keep the membrane from becoming too rigid. Saturated fatty acids, on the other hand, have straight tails that can pack together tightly, making the membrane more rigid and potentially damaging in cold temperatures. Higher levels of cholesterol or additional glycerol molecules would not necessarily be expected in this scenario.

Which Characteristic Would Be Expected in the Plasma Membranes of a Plant