Question

What is the role of cholesterol and why is it structurally different from other fatty acids?

A) Role: Membrane Rigidity; Structurally Different due to Branched Chain
B) Role: Membrane Fluidity; Structurally Different due to Ring Structure
C) Role: Enzyme Cofactor; Structurally Different due to Amino Group
D) Role: Signal Transduction; Structurally Different due to Sulfur Bridge

Answer 1

Cholesterol plays a role in the cell membrane by providing rigidity and fluidity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cholesterol plays a role in the cell membrane by providing rigidity and fluidity. It is structurally different from other fatty acids because of its cholestane structure and the restricted movements around its cyclic bonds. The higher the proportion of cholesterol in the cell membrane, the more rigid the membrane becomes.