Question

Without __________, plasma membranes would be too fluid, not firm enough, and too permeable to some molecules

A. Glycolipids

B. Shingolipids

C. Integral Proteins

D. Phosphoglycerides

E. Cholesterol

Answer 1

Cholesterol provides flexibility to the plasma membrane and helps maintain its structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is E. Cholesterol.

Cholesterol is an important component of the plasma membrane. It provides flexibility to the membrane and helps maintain its structure. Without cholesterol, the plasma membrane would be too fluid, not firm enough, and too permeable to some molecules.

For example, cholesterol helps regulate the fluidity of animal cell membranes by preventing the phospholipids from densely packing together in cold temperatures and preventing the membrane from becoming too fluid in warm temperatures. This ensures that the cell membrane maintains its integrity and functions properly.