Question

If the plasma membrane has less cholesterol, explain its effect on the characteristics of the plasma membrane​

Answer 1

A man has eaten high cholesterol foods for many years. Which of the following best describes the effect this would have on the plasma membranes of his cells?

A.

Membranes wouldn't form because phospholipids would not be able to form bilayers.

B.

A hardened, wall of cholesterol would form around his cells much like those on plant cells.

C.

Membranes would be leaky, allowing more water to pass through them.

D.

Integral proteins in the membrane would get clogged with the cholesterol.

E.

The plasma membranes would be more rigid and less fluid.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The plasma membrane is the thin, flexible boundary between a cell and its environment. Plasma membranes with less cholesterol will have decreased fluidity at low temperatures and higher fluidity at high temperatures compared to the membrane with more cholesterol. This is because it prevents the fatty acid tails from sticking together!