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====Variation between animal species====
Studies on the [[cell membrane]]s of [[mammal]]s and [[reptile]]s discovered that mammalian cell membranes are composed of a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids ([[docosahexaenoic acid|DHA]], [[omega-3 fatty acid]]) than [[reptile]]s. Studies on bird fatty acid composition have noted similar proportions to mammals but with 1/3rd less omega-3 fatty acids as compared to [[omega-6 fatty acid|omega-6]] for a given body size. This fatty acid composition results in a more fluid cell membrane but also one that is permeable to various ions ({{chem2|H+}} & {{chem2|Na+}}), resulting in cell membranes that are more costly to maintain. This maintenance cost has been argued to be one of the key causes for the high metabolic rates and concomitant [[warm-blooded]]ness of mammals and birds. However polyunsaturation of cell membranes may also occur in response to chronic cold temperatures as well. In [[fish]] increasingly cold environments lead to increasingly high cell membrane content of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, to maintain greater membrane fluidity (and functionality) at the lower [[temperature]]s.

Translations:Fatty acid/35/en - Revision history

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