Question

The role of cholesterol in the cell membrane is toa. create a barrier.b. allow ions into the cell.c. maintain fluidity at low temperatures.d. recognize a cell as safe.e. All of the above.

Answer 1

The cholesterol in the cell membrane regulate the fluidity, limiting the lateral movement of phospholipids (immobilise the outer surface), acting as a barrier (alternative a), because it makes the cell membrane less permeable to small water-soluble molecules. The cholesterol also prevents crystalisation of the membrane and secure proteins by anchoring them into the membrane.