How Do Insects Alter Membrane Fluidity

Question

How do insects alter membrane fluidity?
A) by adjusting the relative proportions of cholesterol and proteins
B) by adjusting the relative proportions of cholesterol and fatty acids
C) by adjusting the relative proportions of proteins and fatty acids
D) by adjusting the relative proportions of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Accepted Answer

Insects, like many other organisms, adjust membrane fluidity in response to temperature changes by altering the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in their membrane lipids. Unsaturated fatty acids increase membrane fluidity because they have kinks in their tails that prevent tight packing, while saturated fatty acids decrease fluidity due to their straight tails that pack closely together.