In response to seasonal changes in temperature, many organisms must alter the composition of their plasma membranes to maintain the proper degree of fluidity. As summer turns to fall and eventually into winter, which of the following would you predict you would observe in the plasma membranes of organisms that are unable to regulate their body temperature?
A)an increase in phospholipid fatty acid side chain length and an increase in side chain saturation
B)a decrease in phospholipid fatty acid side chain length and an increase in side chain saturation
C)a decrease in phospholipid fatty acid side chain length and a decrease in side chain saturation
D)an increase in phospholipid fatty acid side chain length and a decrease in side chain saturation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To maintain membrane fluidity in colder temperatures, organisms tend to decrease the length of fatty acid side chains and decrease their saturation (introduce more unsaturated fatty acids), which prevents the membrane from becoming too rigid.

In Response to Seasonal Changes in Temperature, Many Organisms Must