An E.coli culture that has been growing at 37°C is moved to 25°C.Which of the following changes must be made in its plasma membrane to help it cope with the decrease in temperature?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the temperature decreases, the plasma membrane will become more rigid and less fluid. To counteract this, the E.coli culture must increase the number of unsaturated fatty acid chains in its plasma membrane. Unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their tails, which prevent the fatty acid chains from packing tightly together. This helps to maintain fluidity in the membrane at lower temperatures.

An EColi Culture That Has Been Growing at 37°C Is Moved