NANP Board Practice Exam

The major role of saturated fatty acids in cell membranes is to:

1. Allow dynamic communication with the surroundings

2. Provide flexibility to cell membranes

3. Stabilize cell membranes

4. Susceptible to damage

The correct answer is: Stabilize cell membranes

The major role of saturated fatty acids in cell membranes is to stabilize the membranes. Saturated fatty acids have straight chains that allow them to pack closely together, which contributes to the overall rigidity and stability of the membrane structure. This is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the cell membrane, especially in environments where a firmer structure is necessary. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids introduce kinks in their structure, preventing the tight packing seen with saturated fats. This packing difference plays a significant role in the flexibility and dynamic nature of membranes, which is why some may consider that aspect important, but it’s the saturates that primarily contribute to stability. Other aspects, such as susceptibility to damage, pertain more to the nature of the bonds within fatty acids and how they react with oxidative stress, rather than their direct role in stabilization. Thus, the correct identification of saturated fatty acids primarily as stabilizers within cell membranes is key to understanding the complex functions and structures within biological systems.