Question

Which of the following does NOT influence the fluidity of a membrane?

A. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipids
B. The length of the fatty acid chains in the lipids.
C. The proportion of glycolipids to phospholipids.
D. All of the above may influence fluidity

Answer 1

The proportion of glycolipids to phospholipids does NOT influence the fluidity of a membrane. Factors that do influence fluidity include the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipids, the length of the fatty acid chains in the lipids, and temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fluidity of a membrane is influenced by several factors, but the proportion of glycolipids to phospholipids does NOT influence the fluidity of a membrane.

Factors that do influence fluidity include:

1. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipids.
2. The length of the fatty acid chains in the lipids.
3. Temperature. Membrane fluidity increases with higher temperatures and decreases with lower temperatures.

These factors affect the packing arrangement and flexibility of the lipid molecules, which in turn affect the fluidity of the membrane.