The membranes of winter wheat are able to remain fluid when it is extremely cold by ________.
A) increasing the percentage of unsaturated phospholipids in the membrane
B) increasing the percentage of cholesterol molecules in the membrane
C) decreasing the number of hydrophobic proteins in the membrane
D) cotransport of glucose and hydrogen
E) using active transport

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Winter wheat is able to maintain fluidity in its membranes at extremely low temperatures by increasing the percentage of unsaturated phospholipids. Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds that create kinks in the fatty acid tails, preventing them from packing tightly together and increasing fluidity. This adaptation allows for the plant to continue to function and protect itself even in freezing temperatures. Cholesterol (B) is typically found in animal cell membranes, not in plants. Decreasing the number of hydrophobic proteins in the membrane (C) would not necessarily affect fluidity. Cotransport of glucose and hydrogen (D) and active transport (E) do not relate to membrane fluidity in plants at low temperatures.

The Membranes of Winter Wheat Are Able to Remain Fluid