Some lipid rafts are characterized by an accumulation of cholesterol. What does this mean for the fluidity of the raft domain?
A)These lipid rafts are more fluid than the surrounding membrane at normal temperatures.
B)These lipid rafts are less fluid than the surrounding membrane at normal temperatures.
C)These lipid rafts are equally fluid as the surrounding membrane independent of temperature.
D)These lipid rafts are less fluid than the surrounding membrane at low temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is known to decrease the fluidity of membranes by increasing the packing of phospholipid molecules. Therefore, the accumulation of cholesterol in lipid rafts would lead to reduced fluidity compared to the surrounding membrane, particularly at normal temperatures. This is important for the formation and stability of certain protein complexes within lipid rafts, which may require a specific degree of membrane fluidity.

Some Lipid Rafts Are Characterized by an Accumulation of Cholesterol