Cholesterol restricts the movement of other molecules making up the membrane
Cholesterol molecules sit between the fatty acid tails of phospholipids in the membrane. They hold the tails together and reduce how freely the membrane can move.
Real World
Statins, prescribed to millions of people with high cholesterol, reduce cholesterol synthesis — altering membrane fluidity is one reason why cells need tightly regulated cholesterol levels.
Exam Focus
State that cholesterol both reduces fluidity at high temperatures and prevents solidification at low temperatures — temperature context is often required for full marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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