Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, a phospholipid molecule has which of the following structural features?
34
views
8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, where is cholesterol primarily found in the plasma membrane?
A
Intercalated between phospholipid fatty acid tails within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer
B
Exclusively in the aqueous cytosol, where it prevents membrane lipid oxidation
C
Only on the outer leaflet surface, forming a continuous protective coat over phospholipid head groups
D
Covalently attached to the extracellular domains of integral membrane proteins
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of the plasma membrane, which is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails facing inward.
Recall that cholesterol is a lipid molecule that interacts with the phospholipid bilayer to modulate membrane fluidity and stability.
Identify that cholesterol's hydrophobic steroid ring structure allows it to insert itself among the fatty acid tails within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer, rather than associating with the aqueous environment or the membrane surface.
Recognize that cholesterol is not found exclusively in the cytosol or covalently attached to proteins, nor does it form a continuous coat on the membrane surface; instead, it is intercalated within the bilayer to influence membrane properties.
Conclude that the correct location of cholesterol in the plasma membrane is intercalated between phospholipid fatty acid tails within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer.
Related Videos
Related Practice
