G3
Reduced production of a key fat reshapes membranes in worms
Experiments with altered genes revealed shifts in membrane fats and showed that continued production of the fat was needed for egg development.Experiments with altered genes revealed shifts in membrane fats and showed that continued production of the fat was needed for egg development.
Worm studyPlasma membrane
Who was studiedCaenorhabditis elegans worms
What changedWorms with reduced phosphatidylcholine production had more long-chain polyunsaturated fats and fewer shorter saturated fats in their membranes
The catchThe experiments did not measure whether membrane changes themselves lengthened lifespan