Homeoviscous adaptation 4153219 148718559 2007-08-02T13:54:40Z Leolaursen 1803593 Categorizing article - [[WP:UNCAT|You can help!]] {{Orphan|date=September 2006}} The maintenance of proper [[cell membrane]] fluidity is of critical importance for the function and integrity of the [[cell (biology)|cell]], essential for the mobility and function of embedded [[proteins]] and [[lipids]], diffusion of proteins and other molecules laterally across the membrane for signaling reactions, and proper separation of membranes during [[cell division]]. A fundamental [[biophysical]] determinant of membrane fluidity is the balance between [[saturated]] and [[unsaturated]] [[fatty acids]]. Regulating membrane fluidity is especially important in [[poikilothermic]] organisms such as [[bacteria]], [[fungi]], [[protists]], [[plants]], [[fish]] and other ‘[[cold-blooded]]’ animals that cannot regulate their own body temperatures. The general trend is an increase in unsaturated fatty acids at lower growth temperatures and an increase in saturated fatty acids at higher temperatures. This compositional adaptation of membrane lipids, called '''homeoviscous adaptation''', serves to maintain the correct membrane fluidity at the new conditions. Reference:<br /> "Homeoviscous Adaptation-A Homeostatic Process that Regulates the Viscosity of Membrane Lipids in ''Escherichia coli''"; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, February 1, 1974, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 522-525. [[Category:Membrane biology]]