Final answer:
Cholesterol in red blood cells helps maintain the rigidity of the cell membrane, which is important for their functionality in transporting oxygen and removing waste products.
Step-by-step explanation:
One advantage of the different percentage of cholesterol in red blood cells compared with cells lining the ileum is that cholesterol in red blood cells helps maintain the rigidity of the cell membrane. Cholesterol is used in the cell membrane to impart rigidity, and the higher the proportion of cholesterol, the more rigid the membrane. This rigidity is important for the red blood cells to maintain their shape and functionality as they transport oxygen and remove waste products throughout the body.