Question

40 multiple choice 1 point if a human cell were to increase the amount of cholesterol embedded within its plasma membrane, which of the following would most likely happen? the plasma membrane would become more permeable to ions and less permeable to lipids. the plasma membrane would become more stable, less fluid, and less permeable. the plasma membrane would become more fluid and the phospholipids less stable. the cell would form a plaque that could potentially block a blood vessel.

Explanation:

Cholesterol in the plasma membrane acts as a buffer. At high temperatures, it stabilizes the membrane and reduces fluidity. At low temperatures, it prevents the membrane from becoming too rigid. Increasing cholesterol would make the membrane more stable (due to its buffering effect), less fluid (as it restricts phospholipid movement), and less permeable (as a more - stable structure is less likely to allow substances to pass through easily).

• The first option is incorrect because cholesterol does not have a significant role in making the membrane more permeable to ions and less to lipids.
• The third option is wrong as cholesterol reduces fluidity, not increases it.
• The fourth option is about cholesterol in the blood vessels (related to atherosclerosis) not about the plasma membrane of a single cell.

Answer:

The plasma membrane would become more stable, less fluid, and less permeable.