Question

Some bacteria are capable of adjusting the fluidity of their membranes to the temperature of the environment. For example, they use desaturases, which are enzymes that turn saturated fatty acids into desaturated ones. In which season would cells need this enzyme (summer or winter, when would it be most beneficial for bacteria)? Explain. Indicate which fats are more fluid, saturated ones or unsaturated ones?

Answer 1

Saturated fatty acids are mostly solid in nature and unsaturated fatty acids are more liquids.

Solid fat is important for the insulation of the organism because it stops the heat loss of the body .

So it is quite obvious that saturated fatty acids which are more solid than unsaturated fatty acids , will be required in winters a d conversion of saturated into unsaturated fatty acids which is more fluid will be in summers .