Cholesterol A)is found in abundance in prokaryotic cell membranes. B)buffers membrane fluidity by increasing fluidity at low temperature and decreasing fluidity at high temperature. C)increases permeability for Ca2⁺. D)increases permeability for small polar molecules. E)All of the above are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cholesterol acts as a buffer for membrane fluidity; it increases fluidity at low temperatures by preventing fatty acid tails from packing too closely together, and decreases fluidity at high temperatures by restraining movement of phospholipid fatty acid tails, thus maintaining membrane integrity and functionality across a range of temperatures.