Which of the following is a reasonable explanation for why unsaturated fatty acids help keep any membrane more fluid at lower temperatures?
A) The double bonds form kinks in the fatty acid tails, preventing adjacent lipids from packing tightly.
B) Unsaturated fatty acids have a higher cholesterol content and therefore more cholesterol in membranes.
C) Unsaturated fatty acids are more polar than saturated fatty acids.
D) The double bonds block interaction among the hydrophilic head groups of the lipids.
E) The double bonds result in shorter fatty acid tails and thinner membranes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids creates kinks that prevent the fatty acid tails from packing tightly together. This allows for more movement and flexibility within the membrane, maintaining fluidity at lower temperatures.

Which of the Following Is a Reasonable Explanation for Why