Scientists unearth a Wooly Mammoth from the Siberian Ice Sheath and discover that a eukaryotic "amoeba"-like cell is still alive.Which component of the cell membrane might contribute to maintaining the fluidity of plasma membranes under freezing conditions?
A)Peripheral proteins
B)High levels of long fatty acyl tails within the lipid bilayer
C)High levels of unsaturated fatty acyl tails within the lipid bilayer
D)Absence of cholesterol
E)High levels of saturated fatty acyl tails within the lipid bilayer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High levels of unsaturated fatty acyl tails within the lipid bilayer contribute to maintaining fluidity of plasma membranes under freezing conditions. Unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their tails due to double bonds, which prevent them from packing tightly together and create more space for movement. This prevents the membrane from becoming too rigid and potentially damaging the cell.

Scientists Unearth a Wooly Mammoth from the Siberian Ice Sheath