cholesterol

[bajoneswadup]

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TBR says that when cholesterol is added to a membrane there is a decrease in fluidity, but I read in my biochem book it increases membrane fluidity? TBR explains b/c cholesterol is planar, when it is added to the membrane it interrupts the individual movement of the phospholipids. Are my notes wrong?

 

[ljc]

TBR says that when cholesterol is added to a membrane there is a decrease in fluidity, but I read in my biochem book it increases membrane fluidity? TBR explains b/c cholesterol is planar, when it is added to the membrane it interrupts the individual movement of the phospholipids. Are my notes wrong?

It's both. At low temperatures, it prevents the membrane from freezing, and at high temperatures, it prevents the membrane from breaking apart. It helps keep it fluid in all environments.

 

[bajoneswadup]

ohh boss. thanks

 

[Class1P]

I's like adding a salt or "defect" to a pure substance like water. It causes problems with forming structure at low temperatures and causes decreases in movement at high temperatures.