Question

A phospholipid bilayer with equal amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids displays a specific permeability to glucose. What effect will increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the bilayer have on the membrane's permeability to glucose?
A. Permeability to glucose will stay the same.
B. Permeability to glucose will increase.
C. Permeability will decrease initially then increase as the bilayer fills with glucose.
D. Permeability to glucose will decrease

Answer 1

Answer

The correct answer is option B

B. Permeability to glucose will increase.

Explanation:

A phospholipid bilayer is a thin polar membrane comprising two lipid molecules. It regulates the diffusion of ions and proteins and is impermeable to most water molecules. A balances amount of saturated and unsaturated phospholipid regulates the permeability of glucose, allowing only a specific amount to pass through but when there's more unsaturation, permeability increases.