QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Cholesterol makes the plasma membrane less fluid by stabilising interactions between neighbouring phospholipids. As a result, the outer surface of the membrane is immobilised and very small water-soluble molecules are less likely to freely move across. This reduces membrane permeability.
10005010
e
Cholesterol makes the membrane more permeable
QuestionChoice
At 37°C cholesterol stabilises interactions between neighbouring phospholipids. Cholesterol immobilises the outer surface of the membrane and reduces fluidity. Therefore, very small water-soluble molecules are less likely to freely move across.
10005006
a
At 37°C cholesterol tends to make the plasma membrane less fluid
QuestionChoice
Cholesterol is absent from prokaryotic cells.  Cholesterol provides structural integrity to eukaryotic cells which is why animal cells do not require a cell wall.
10005009
d
Cholesterol is present in the plasma membrane of eukaryotes and prokaryotes
QuestionChoice
Phospholipids are derived from triglycerides and contain 2 fatty acid chains, glycerol and a phosphate group.
Cholesterol is a type of steroid. It is an organic molecule which contains 4 rings.

Cholesterol and phospholipids are both a type of lipid but they have different chemical structures, therefore, cholesterol cannot be a type of phospholipid.
10005008
c
Cholesterol is a phospholipid
QuestionChoice
At 37°C cholesterol will stabilise interactions between neighbouring phospholipids. It immobilises the outer surface of the membrane and reduces fluidity, therefore this answer is incorrect.
10005007
b
At 37°C cholesterol tends to make the plasma membrane more fluid
Concept
Chapter
2693
4358
Cholesterol
Topic
180
Biochemistry
13548
Which one of the following is true regarding cholesterol and the plasma membrane?
a