Cholesterol affects membrane fluidity by
A) increasing membrane fluidity at all temperatures.
B) decreasing membrane fluidity at all temperatures.
C) decreasing membrane fluidity at high temperatures and increasing membrane fluidity at low temperatures.
D) increasing membrane fluidity at high temperatures and decreasing membrane fluidity at low temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cholesterol functions as a component of the cell membrane by affecting membrane fluidity. Specifically, it decreases membrane fluidity at high temperatures by reducing the movement of phospholipid molecules, preventing them from becoming too fluid and destabilizing the membrane. Additionally, it increases membrane fluidity at low temperatures by preventing the close packing of phospholipids and reducing their tendency to solidify. Therefore, the best choice is C- cholesterol decreases membrane fluidity at high temperatures and increases membrane fluidity at low temperatures.

Cholesterol Affects Membrane Fluidity by