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At lower temperatures, an elevation in cholesterol content can increase cell membrane fluidity. T/F?

User JWD
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Final answer:

Cholesterol increases cell membrane fluidity at lower temperatures and prevents excessive fluidity at higher temperatures, functioning as a buffer. The presence of more unsaturated fatty acids also contributes to a more fluid membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that an elevation in cholesterol content can increase cell membrane fluidity at lower temperatures is true. Cholesterol serves as a buffer in cell membranes, preventing the inhibition of fluidity at lower temperatures. While at higher temperatures, it prevents excessive fluidity. This means that cholesterol helps to maintain the membrane in a fluid state, which is essential for its proper functioning. Other factors that influence membrane fluidity include the saturation of fatty acids; membranes with more unsaturated fatty acids tend to be more fluid due to the kinks in their tails that create space, allowing for greater movement of the membrane components.

User Henry Story
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