A bacterium is suddenly expelled from a warm human intestine into the cold world outside.Which of the following adjustments might the bacterium make to maintain the same level of membrane fluidity?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bacterium would need to increase fluidity in its membrane to adapt to the colder surroundings. Shorter hydrocarbon tails and an increased number of double bonds would accomplish this. Longer tails and fewer double bonds would make the membrane less fluid. The amount of cholesterol and glycolipids in the membrane would not have a direct effect on fluidity.

A Bacterium Is Suddenly Expelled from a Warm Human Intestine