A biologist wants to compare the fluidity of membranes from different human cells.Which data will provide information that can be used for this analysis?
A) Integral membrane protein and peripheral membrane protein content
B) Cholesterol content and phospholipid fatty acid composition and content
C) Mass percentage of membrane proteins and mass percentage of lipids
D) Integral membrane protein densities in different locations of a membrane
E) Glycolipid and glycoprotein content and distribution in a membrane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fluidity of membranes is largely determined by the composition of their phospholipids, including their fatty acid chains and the presence of cholesterol. Therefore, comparing the cholesterol content and phospholipid fatty acid composition and content of membranes from different cells would be the most informative data for analyzing membrane fluidity. The other choices provide information about the composition of the membrane, but do not directly relate to its fluidity.

A Biologist Wants to Compare the Fluidity of Membranes from Different