Question

What would a cell do in cold temperatures to regulate membrane fluidity?

a) Increase saturated fatty acids
b) Increase unsaturated fatty acids
c) Increase cholesterol content
d) Decrease cholesterol content

Answer 1

A cell would increase unsaturated fatty acids in its membrane to maintain fluidity in cold temperatures, as the kinks in unsaturated fatty acids help prevent the membrane from solidifying.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to cold temperatures, a cell would increase unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane to regulate fluidity. Unsaturated fatty acids have kinks due to the presence of C-C double bonds, and these kinks create more space between the phospholipid molecules, preventing the membrane from becoming too rigid. This adaptation helps to maintain the necessary fluidity for proper cell function even in a cold environment.