IB Biology HL B2.1.11 Hl Fatty Acid Composition and Fluidity Questions

Analyse fatty-acid kinks, packing and temperature-based composition changes to predict membrane fluidity in IB Biology HL B2.1.11.

Exam points

Relate a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty-acid tails to kinks, looser packing and greater membrane fluidity.
Relate a higher proportion of saturated fatty-acid tails to closer packing and reduced membrane fluidity.
Predict fatty-acid composition changes needed to maintain membrane fluidity when temperature changes.

[Maximum number: 1]

Voltage-gated ion channels are proteins that are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer of plasma membranes. They conduct ions at high rates, regulated by the voltage across the membrane. The diagram shows a typical voltage-gated potassium ( $\mathrm{K}^{+}$ ) channel when it is closed and when it is open.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL B2.1.11 Hl Fatty Acid Composition and Fluidity Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Outline the effect of fatty acids on the fluidity of membranes.

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IB Biology HL B2.1.11 Hl Fatty Acid Composition and Fluidity Questions question 1