The plasma membrane of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae is able to remain fluid when it is extremely cold.The bacterium most likely accomplishes this by
A) increasing the number of cholesterol molecules present.
B) closing protein channels.
C) decreasing the number of hydrophobic proteins present.
D) replacing saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids.
E) using fatty acids with longer tails.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By replacing saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids, the plasma membrane of the bacterium can remain fluid at low temperatures. Unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their tails due to the presence of double bonds, which prevents them from packing tightly together and solidifying at cold temperatures. This adaptation is common among organisms living in cold environments.

The Plasma Membrane of the Bacterium Pseudomonas Syringae Is Able