Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Lipid Bilayers Fatty Acid Compositions

Word Count Emoji
267 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🥑 Fun Fact: Think of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids like LEGO pieces. Saturated ones fit neatly together, making a tight wall. Unsaturated ones have bumps (kinks) that prevent them from fitting perfectly – leading to more gaps!

Fatty acid basics 📌

  • Saturated Fatty Acids
    • Have straight chains.
    • Pack tightly in bilayers.
    • Result? Membrane is less fluid and less permeable.
  • Unsaturated Fatty Acids
    • Have one or more kinks in their chain.
    • Pack loosely in bilayers.
    • Result? Membrane is more fluid and more permeable.

Balancing act 🎭

  • Why it Matters: Cells need to adjust the amount of these fatty acids to make sure their membranes are just right - like Goldilocks' porridge!
  • Goal: A membrane that's fluid, strong, and not too porous.
  • Regulation: Cells regulate the relative amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids based on what they need.

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IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Lipid Bilayers Fatty Acid Compositions

Word Count Emoji
267 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🥑 Fun Fact: Think of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids like LEGO pieces. Saturated ones fit neatly together, making a tight wall. Unsaturated ones have bumps (kinks) that prevent them from fitting perfectly – leading to more gaps!

Fatty acid basics 📌

  • Saturated Fatty Acids
    • Have straight chains.
    • Pack tightly in bilayers.
    • Result? Membrane is less fluid and less permeable.
  • Unsaturated Fatty Acids
    • Have one or more kinks in their chain.
    • Pack loosely in bilayers.
    • Result? Membrane is more fluid and more permeable.

Balancing act 🎭

  • Why it Matters: Cells need to adjust the amount of these fatty acids to make sure their membranes are just right - like Goldilocks' porridge!
  • Goal: A membrane that's fluid, strong, and not too porous.
  • Regulation: Cells regulate the relative amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids based on what they need.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟