Effects of Temperature on Membrane Fluidity

Very Hard Biochemistry Lipids And Membranes

In the biochemistry of cell membranes, lipids play a crucial role in forming the lipid bilayer that is essential for membrane structure and function. Phospholipids, a major component of membranes, have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails. Understanding the specific interactions and factors influencing membrane fluidity can be vital for comprehending cellular processes.

Consider a scenario where a specific phospholipid (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC) is studied under varying temperatures. As temperature increases, the phase transition occurs, impacting the membrane's fluidity and permeability. Which of the following statements BEST describes the implications of such a transition on the biological membrane's properties?

The transition from a gel to a liquid-crystalline state increases membrane thickness.

As the membrane transitions to a more fluid phase, lipid-soluble substances diffuse more readily across the membrane.

Increased temperature decreases the kinetic motion of lipid molecules within the bilayer.

The transition enhances the stability of membrane proteins, reducing their mobility.

Hint

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