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Multiple Choice
How does cholesterol affect the plasma membrane at low temperatures?
A
It increases membrane fluidity by preventing tight packing of phospholipids.
B
It decreases membrane fluidity by promoting tight packing of phospholipids.
C
It causes the membrane to become more permeable to ions.
D
It has no effect on membrane fluidity at low temperatures.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of cholesterol: Cholesterol is a lipid molecule with a hydrophobic tail and a hydroxyl group that interacts with the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.
Recognize the role of cholesterol in the membrane: Cholesterol is interspersed among the phospholipids in the membrane, affecting its fluidity and stability.
Consider the effect of temperature on membrane fluidity: At low temperatures, phospholipids tend to pack tightly, reducing membrane fluidity.
Analyze how cholesterol affects phospholipid packing: Cholesterol disrupts the regular packing of phospholipids, preventing them from becoming too tightly packed, thus increasing fluidity.
Conclude the impact of cholesterol at low temperatures: By preventing tight packing, cholesterol increases membrane fluidity at low temperatures, contrary to promoting tight packing or having no effect.