Improperly Functioning Acyl Carrier Proteins (ACPs) Would Likely Result In

Question

Improperly functioning acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) would likely result in
A) a physiological shift to anaerobic metabolism where an energized membrane is less important for energy production.
B) enhanced growth of a bacterium due to faster growth substrate uptake by a weakened membrane.
C) no harm to bacteria, because only archaeons and eukaryotes use ACPs for fatty acid biosynthesis.
D) death for a bacterium due to poor lipid bilayer integrity.

Accepted Answer

ACPs are essential for the proper synthesis and transfer of fatty acids in bacteria, as they carry the growing fatty acid chain during synthesis. Improperly functioning ACPs can lead to errors in fatty acid synthesis, resulting in poor lipid bilayer integrity and ultimately the death of the bacterium. Anaerobic metabolism and growth substrate uptake are not directly impacted by ACPs.