The fluidity of a lipid bilayer will be increased by:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the temperature of the lipid bilayer will increase its fluidity as the lipid molecules will have more kinetic energy and move more easily within the bilayer. Decreasing the number of unsaturated fatty acids (choice A) will actually decrease the fluidity of the bilayer as saturated fatty acids have straighter chains that pack tightly together, limiting movement. Increasing the length of the alkyl chains (choice C) will also decrease fluidity as longer chains will have more surface area to interact with each other, limiting movement. Substituting 18:0 for 18:2 (choice E) will also decrease fluidity as 18:0 lacks the double bonds present in 18:2, which would increase the kinks in the fatty acid chain and increase fluidity. Decreasing the temperature (choice B) will also decrease fluidity by reducing molecular motion within the bilayer.

The Fluidity of a Lipid Bilayer Will Be Increased By