Question:

What kind of fatty acid tails would you expect in the phospholipids of thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria?

Answer:

→ Saturated fatty acid tails.

Why?

• Thermophilic bacteria live in very hot environments (like hot springs).
• At high temperatures, cell membranes can melt or become too fluid.
• To keep their membranes stable and solid in the heat, thermophiles need saturated fatty acid tails.

Saturated fatty acids:

• Have no double bonds (straight tails).
• Pack tightly together, making the membrane less fluid and stronger.

If they had unsaturated tails (with bends), the membrane would become too soft and fall apart in heat.

Short Summary:

• Thermophiles = Saturated fatty acids = Strong and stable membrane at high heat.