The Primary Lipid Components of the Membranes of Extreme Thermophiles

Question

The primary lipid components of the membranes of extreme thermophiles are
A)sulfolipids.
B)cholesterol.
C)40 carbon diglycerol tetraethers.
D)20 carbon diglycerol diethers.

Accepted Answer

Extreme thermophiles have unique membrane lipids called 40 carbon diglycerol tetraethers, which help stabilize the membrane at high temperatures. These lipids have two hydrocarbon chains, each made up of 20 carbons, and are connected by glycerol. Sulfolipids are found in some but not all thermophiles, and cholesterol is not found in prokaryotic membranes. 20 carbon diglycerol diethers are found in some but not all thermophiles, including mesophilic ones.