Respuesta :
Answer:
The presence of a larger proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in membranes imparts them fluidity at lower temperatures as required to maintain their normal functioning.
Explanation:
The proportion of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in membranes regulates their fluidity. At lower temperatures, membranes become more rigid. To maintain their normal fluidity, the proportion of the unsaturated fatty acids in membranes is increased. The unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their hydrocarbon tails which in turn do not allow their tight packing and impart fluidity to the membrane core.
At higher temperatures, membranes become more fluid and therefore, the proportion of the unsaturated fatty acids is reduced. The tissues of reindeer at the body's extremities such as those near hooves are exposed to surroundings and thereby, lose heat and have lower temperatures. To maintain the fluidity of membranes, the cells of these tissues incorporate more of the unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes as compared to the tissues in the upper legs where the body temperature is relatively higher.
The leg of the reindeer is often in contact with a cold condition therefore should contain a larger proportion of unsaturated fat.
Physiologic importance of membrane lipids
Membrane lipids, such as phospholipids and sterols, are structural components of membranes and characterized as double-layered surface of all cells.
Reindeer is an animal that is found in a cold regions. Therefore, the hooves are constantly in touch with a cold surface.
When temperature decreases( in cold conditions) , the composition of membrane lipids (phospholipid fatty acids) is expected to become more unsaturated to be able to maintain homeoviscous adaptation.
Therefore, the leg of the reindeer is often in contact with a cold condition therefore should contain a larger proportion of unsaturated fat.
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