Question

Which of the following statements is true about membrane fluidity?

A) Membrane fluidity increases with a higher concentration of saturated fatty acids.
B) Membrane fluidity is not affected by temperature.
C) Membrane fluidity is influenced by the presence of cholesterol.
D) Membrane fluidity is higher in the absence of unsaturated fatty acids.

Answer 1

Membrane fluidity is influenced by the presence of cholesterol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is true about membrane fluidity is C) Membrane fluidity is influenced by the presence of cholesterol.

Membrane fluidity is influenced by several factors, including the number of C-C double bonds (unsaturation) in the hydrocarbon tails of the lipids and the presence of cholesterol. Higher concentration of saturated fatty acids (option A) actually decreases membrane fluidity. Fluidity is also affected by temperature (option B), with higher temperatures increasing fluidity. However, the presence of cholesterol (option C) reduces membrane fluidity by filling in gaps between phospholipids. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.