How might a plant cell compensate for the excessive membrane fluidity that occurs during prolonged exposures to elevated temperature?
A)Reduce membrane cholesterol content.
B)Alter the lipid composition to have longer fatty acyl tails and fewer double bonds.
C)Alter the lipid composition to have shorter fatty acyl tails and more double bonds.
D)Alter the lipid composition to have shorter and more unsaturated fatty acyl tails.
E)Reduce cholesterol content and alter the lipid composition to have shorter fatty acyl tails.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To compensate for excessive membrane fluidity at elevated temperatures, a plant cell can alter its lipid composition to have longer fatty acyl tails and fewer double bonds. Longer tails and saturation (lack of double bonds) increase the interaction between the fatty acids, thus reducing fluidity and stabilizing the membrane structure.

How Might a Plant Cell Compensate for the Excessive Membrane