2026-09-25 11:38 UTC
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2. The "Olive Oil" Cell Membranes
At 5 kilometers deep, the ocean is not only heavy but freezing cold. Under those conditions, the fats in normal animal cell membranes would pack tightly together and turn solid, like a stick of butter left in the fridge. To prevent their cells from turning into stiff, brittle walls that would easily rupture, deep-sea creatures build their cell membranes with massive amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.
#oceans
#biology
#MarineLife
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@appassionato@mastodon.social 2026-09-25 11:39
11/ This keeps their cellular boundaries fluid and flexible—acting more like liquid olive oil than solid butter. 3. Chemical Scaffolding (Piezolytes) Even if your body doesn't crush, extreme hydrostatic pressure can literally force water molecules into the folds of your enzymes and proteins, warping their shape so they stop working. #science #biology