There are two new species of superbug bacteria that have bee

There are two new species of superbug bacteria that have been isolated at XXX hospital. One grows best at 20°C and the other grows best at 40°C. Which species would you predict to have a higher ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids in their membrane phospholipids and why?

Solution

Answer: 40C bacteria might have a higher ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids.

Explanation:

In extreme cold conditions, unsaturated fatty acids maintain fluidity of the cell membranes which is essential for biological activity, but have less saturated fatty acids that would make membrane rigid otherwise. The bacteria which grows at 20 C could probably has low ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids in their membrane phospholipids. And 40C bacteria might have a higher ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids.