MDCAT Biology MCQ #1682

In organisms living in extremely cold environments, the plasma membrane remains fluid. This adaptation is achieved by increasing the proportion of which membrane component?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #1682

  1. Question 1

    Q1. In organisms living in extremely cold environments, the plasma membrane remains fluid. This adaptation is achieved by increasing the proportion of which membrane component?

    • A) Saturated fatty acids
    • B) Unsaturated fatty acids
    • C) Peripheral proteins
    • D) Glycolipids

    Answer: Unsaturated fatty acids

    Explanation: Unsaturated fatty acids prevent tight packing, maintaining fluidity at low temperatures. Cholesterol is tempting but it acts as a fluidity buffer, not the primary cold-adaptation.