Final answer:
Lipid chemistry is connected to membrane fluidity through the presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipid tails and the role of cholesterol. Unsaturated fatty acids with double bonds create kinks, increasing space between phospholipid tails and enhancing fluidity. Cholesterol molecules fill the space between fatty acids, reducing fluidity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lipid chemistry is connected to membrane fluidity due to the nature of fatty acids in the phospholipid tails. In membranes, the presence of unsaturated fatty acids with double bonds creates kinks or bends, pushing apart the phospholipid tails and creating more space between them. This increased space allows membrane components to move more freely, resulting in greater fluidity. On the other hand, cholesterol molecules tend to fill the space between fatty acids, reducing the lateral mobility of membrane components and decreasing fluidity. Therefore, the number of C-C double bonds in the lipid tails and the presence of cholesterol play a significant role in regulating membrane fluidity.