Question

multiple choice question
which is a function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

• cholesterol helps to prevent the fatty-acid tails of the phospholipid bilayer from sticking together.
• cholesterol defines the cell’s characteristics and helps cells identify chemical signals.
• cholesterol on the inner surface anchor the plasma membrane to the cell’s internal support structure, giving the cell its shape.

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Explanation:

• For the first option: Cholesterol in the plasma membrane (a phospholipid bilayer) fits between the phospholipid molecules. At low temperatures, it prevents the fatty - acid tails (which are hydrophobic) from packing too closely and sticking together, maintaining membrane fluidity.
• For the second option: Glycoproteins and glycolipids (not cholesterol) are responsible for cell - cell recognition and helping cells identify chemical signals.
• For the third option: The cytoskeleton (not cholesterol) anchors the plasma membrane to the cell's internal support structure and gives the cell its shape.

Answer:

A. Cholesterol helps to prevent the fatty - acid tails of the phospholipid bilayer from sticking together.