Question

Archaea have molecules with reactive side chains in their plasma membrane, so the tails of archaeal phospholipids form covalent bonds with one another. As a result, the plasma membrane is ____.

a.

less fluid
b. more fragile
c. easily disturbed
d. less rigid
e.  more hydrophobic

Answer 1

Archaea have molecules with reactive side chains in their plasma membrane, so the tails of archaeal phospholipids form covalent bonds with one another. As a result, the plasma membrane is--- less fluid.

Archaea's membranes are made up of glycerol-ether lipids. Its ether bonds are chemically more stable than ester bonds, so it helps archaea to survive in extreme temperatures and extreme pH environments.