In cirrhosis, how does cholesterol alter the fluidity of the plasma membrane of erythrocytes?
A)Cholesterol decreases the membrane fluidity of the erythrocyte, which reduces its ability to carry oxygen.
B)Cholesterol decreases the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes, which reduces its ability to carry hemoglobin.
C)Cholesterol increases the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes, which allows binding of excess glucose.
D)Cholesterol increases the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes, which prolongs it life span beyond 120 days.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concentration of cholesterol in the plasma membrane affects membrane fluidity.
In cirrhosis of the liver, for example, the cholesterol content of the red blood cell's plasma membrane increases. This causes an overall decrease in membrane fluidity that seriously affects the cell's ability to transport oxygen.

In Cirrhosis, How Does Cholesterol Alter the Fluidity of the Plasma