Question

The steroid lipid cholesterol is a component of membranes. identify true statements about cholesterol and its role in membrane fluidity. select all the true statements.

Answer 1

Cholesterol refers to a fat-like waxy substance, which is found in all the cells of the body. The body needs some cholesterol to produce hormones, substances that assist in digesting foods, and vitamin D. The body produces all the cholesterol it requires.  

Cholesterol enhances the fluidity of the membrane, which otherwise comprises majorly the long-chain saturated fatty acids.  

Cholesterol minimizes the fluidity of the membrane in the regions known as rafts that comprise huge concentrations of cholesterol and sphingolipids.