The cholesterol molecule: A Inserts between the two layers of a biolog- ical membrane; B Is a toxic molecule; |C Influences the fluidity of a biological mem- brane; D] Is one of the components of the bacterial plasma membrane; |E] Is the precursor of sphingomyelin.

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter2: Cell Physiology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 11RE
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The cholesterol molecule:
A Inserts between the two layers of a biolog-
ical membrane;
B Is a toxic molecule;
C Influences the fluidity of a biological mem-
brane;
D] Is one of the components of the bacterial
plasma membrane;
E Is the precursor of sphingomyelin.
Transcribed Image Text:The cholesterol molecule: A Inserts between the two layers of a biolog- ical membrane; B Is a toxic molecule; C Influences the fluidity of a biological mem- brane; D] Is one of the components of the bacterial plasma membrane; E Is the precursor of sphingomyelin.
Expert Solution
Step 1

Cholesterol is defined as a lipid with a unique or different structure consisting of four linked rings of hydrocarbon, thus, forming the bulky and heavy steroid structure.

Step 2

A cholesterol molecule is a component or part of an animal's cell membrane, where it will function to maintain and regulate the integrity and the cell's mechanical stability. Cholesterol is inserted into the biological or cell membrane lipid bilayer, which disrupts the interactions between the fatty acids and, therefore, helps in the maintenance of the biological membrane fluidity.

Therefore, options (A) and (C) both are correct.

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