Chapter 2, Problem 13CT

Summary Introduction

To answer:

We have seen that it is important that biological membranes remain flexible. Most bacteria lack sterols in their membranes and instead incorporate unsaturated phospholipids in the membranes to resist tight packing and solidification. Examine Table 2.4. Which fatty acid might best protect the membranes of an ice-dwelling bacterium.

Introduction:

Biological membranes are made up phospholipid bilayer which is a selectively permeable membrane. This membrane has integral membrane proteins and fatty acids in its structure. This protein helps in the transportation process. Mostly the unsaturated fatty acids are present in the phospholipid bilayer.