by 
The Curious Bag
-
The plasma membrane surrounds all animal cells. It contains proteins, lipids and other molecules, including cholesterol.
Definition of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a steroid lipid, a type of fat molecule, necessary for the proper function of the plasma membrane.
Location and Orientation
Cholesterol is found in a nearly one-to-one ratio with phospholipids in the plasma membrane. It orients itself in the same direction as phospholipids, with the polar ends matching.
Structural Support
The plasma membrane is easily deformed, and cholesterol helps stabilize its structure and prevents it from becoming squashed or flattened.
Impermeability
Cholesterol helps fill spaces between molecules in the plasma membrane, making it less permeable to other molecules and preventing stray molecules from moving into or out of the cell.
Antifreeze Properties
Cholesterol in the plasma membrane also lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of the membrane, allowing it to withstand much higher and lower temperatures than it could without cholesterol.
Source:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC