plasma membrane

Question

Which component primarily contributes to membrane fluidity at physiological temperatures?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Fluid Mosaic Model**: The plasma membrane is a dynamic, fluid structure primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
2. **Role of Cholesterol**: Cholesterol molecules are interspersed among the phospholipids. They act as **fluidity buffers**.
3. **At High Temperatures**: Cholesterol stabilizes the membrane and reduces its fluidity by restricting the horizontal movement of phospholipids.
4. **At Low Temperatures**: It prevents the phospholipids from packing too tightly and crystallizing, thus maintaining fluidity.
5. **Note**: Cellulose, ribose, and peptidoglycan are not components of the eukaryotic plasma membrane lipid bilayer.

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plasma membrane

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