Answered

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that helps keep cell membranes fluid rather than stiff. What aspect of a cholesterol molecule's structure helps it fulfill this role?

A. It contains two hydrocarbon chains that repel water and a phosphate group that attracts water.
B. It contains two hydrocarbon chains that attract water and a phosphate group that repels water.
C. Its slight bend keeps the straight hydrocarbon chains of other membrane lipids from packing together.
D. Its straight structure packs tightly with the straight hydrocarbon chains of other membrane lipids.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer

Final answer:

Cholesterol's sterol structure and interaction with membrane components help maintain membrane fluidity.


Explanation:

Cholesterol is amphipathic and helps maintain membrane fluidity by preventing tight packing of phospholipid tails. Its sterol structure, including the hydroxy group and bulky steroid, interacts with other membrane components to modulate fluidity. Additionally, cholesterol increases membrane packing and regulates cell functions by influencing lipid composition and organization.


Learn more about Cholesterol structure and membrane fluidity here:

https://brainly.com/question/38440034


Other Questions