A bacterium is suddenly expelled from a warm human intestine into the cold world outside. Which of the following adjustments would the bacterium do to maintain the same level of membrane fluidity? a. Decrease the amount of glycolipids in the membrane.

b. Decrease the amount of cholesterol in the membrane.

c. Produce lipids with hydrocarbon tails that are longer and have fewer double bonds.

d. Produce lipids with hydrocarbon tails that are shorter and have more double bonds.

Question

Nigel Duffy

Biology

7 June, 09:36

A bacterium is suddenly expelled from a warm human intestine into the cold world outside. Which of the following adjustments would the bacterium do to maintain the same level of membrane fluidity? a. Decrease the amount of glycolipids in the membrane.

b. Decrease the amount of cholesterol in the membrane.

c. Produce lipids with hydrocarbon tails that are longer and have fewer double bonds.

d. Produce lipids with hydrocarbon tails that are shorter and have more double bonds.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Alfred Barrera · Answer 1

Option D

Explanation:

It reduces the tendency for hydrocarbons to interact with one another and the double bond produces kinks on the hydrocarbons chain which makes them difficult to pack together and this makes membrane remains fluid at lowered temperature