Which of the following is a function of unsaturated fatty acids in membranes?
A) They provide fluidity to membranes and allow transport of biochemical products.
B) They provide a site for chemical reactions to occur.
C) Both of these are functions of unsaturated fatty acids.
D) None of these are functions of unsaturated fatty acids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids introduce kinks in the phospholipid bilayer due to their double bonds, which prevent the fatty acid tails from packing closely together. This increases the fluidity of the membrane, allowing for easier transport of molecules across it. They do not specifically provide sites for chemical reactions; that role is more directly associated with proteins embedded in the membrane.

Which of the Following Is a Function of Unsaturated Fatty