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Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes how cholesterol affects cell membrane fluidity?
A
Cholesterol uniformly increases membrane fluidity regardless of temperature.
B
Cholesterol uniformly decreases membrane fluidity regardless of temperature.
C
Cholesterol increases membrane fluidity at high temperatures and decreases it at low temperatures.
D
Cholesterol decreases membrane fluidity at high temperatures and increases it at low temperatures.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of cholesterol in cell membranes: Cholesterol is a lipid molecule that is interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. It plays a crucial role in modulating membrane fluidity.
Consider the effect of temperature on membrane fluidity: At high temperatures, phospholipid bilayers become more fluid as the kinetic energy of the molecules increases. Cholesterol helps stabilize the membrane by reducing fluidity, preventing it from becoming too permeable.
Analyze the effect of cholesterol at low temperatures: At low temperatures, the phospholipid bilayer becomes more rigid and less fluid. Cholesterol disrupts the regular packing of phospholipids, increasing fluidity and preventing the membrane from becoming too rigid.
Recognize the dual role of cholesterol: Cholesterol acts as a buffer for membrane fluidity, increasing fluidity at low temperatures and decreasing it at high temperatures, thus maintaining optimal membrane function across temperature variations.
Conclude with the correct statement: Cholesterol decreases membrane fluidity at high temperatures and increases it at low temperatures, ensuring the cell membrane remains functional under varying thermal conditions.