A cell was growing happily at 37°C, but the temperature was then changed to 40°C

Question

A cell was growing happily at 37°C, but the temperature was then changed to 40°C. What modifications to the plasma membrane could a cell make to counteract the increase in temperature?

       A. Add more cholesterol into the plasma membrane

       B. Introduce more saturated fatty acids into the phospholipids.

       C. Introduce longer chain length fatty acids into the phospholipids

       D. Decrease the number of double bonds in fatty acids in the phospholipids.

       E. All of the answers are correct

Please explain the answer.

Explanation / Answer

As the temperature of growth is increase, the proportion of saturated fatty acids into the phopholipid increases. The increase in content of saturated acids with a increase in temperature of growth occurs in both minimal and complex media.This happens beacause phospholipid membrane become less rigid and allow more movement of proteins and other molecules in and through the membrane. To maintain the membrane integrity this shift is required.

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