Multiple Choice
The fluidity of a bilayer is generally increased by:
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10. Lipids
Physical Properties of Biological Membranes
Multiple Choice
Which of the following would increase the transition temperature of a membrane?
A
A decrease in the fatty acid tail length.
B
An increase in the number of double bonds in the fatty acid chains.
C
Loose packing of fatty acid tails.
D
Free fatty acids in the environment.
E
None of the above would increase the transition temperature.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of transition temperature: The transition temperature of a membrane is the temperature at which the membrane transitions from a gel-like state to a more fluid state. This is influenced by the composition of the fatty acids in the membrane.
Consider the effect of fatty acid tail length: Longer fatty acid tails tend to increase the transition temperature because they allow for more van der Waals interactions, leading to tighter packing and a more rigid membrane.
Analyze the impact of double bonds: Double bonds introduce kinks in the fatty acid chains, preventing tight packing and thus lowering the transition temperature. More double bonds generally mean a more fluid membrane at lower temperatures.
Evaluate the packing of fatty acid tails: Loose packing of fatty acid tails results in a more fluid membrane, which decreases the transition temperature. Tighter packing would increase the transition temperature.
Assess the role of free fatty acids: Free fatty acids can disrupt the membrane structure, generally leading to increased fluidity and a decrease in transition temperature. Therefore, none of the options provided would increase the transition temperature.
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