Psychrophiles favor the cold, since their membranes are more fluid at low temperature as a result of the high proportion of ________ present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychrophiles have a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes, which helps maintain membrane fluidity at low temperatures. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds that create kinks, preventing the fatty acids from packing tightly together and solidifying, thus keeping the membrane more fluid in cold environments.

Psychrophiles Favor the Cold, Since Their Membranes Are More Fluid