Why is cholesterol needed in the plasma membrane?

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Cholesterol is a substance that is important to the function of the body's cells. It is most often found in the cell's membranes.

Significance

The membrane surrounding our cells is known as the plasma membrane made up of cholesterol and proteins. Cholesterol molecules make up about half of the membrane.

Benefits

Cholesterol works in the membrane by helping it maintain its integrity. Since cholesterol is a fatty substance, it helps the liquid parts of the membrane form into a substance with the consistency of olive oil.

Function

However, cholesterol also helps the membrane remain fluid by keeping the fatty lipids in the membrane from crystallizing.

Thickness

Since cholesterol acts as a thickening agent in the membrane, it also keeps proteins intact with its viscosity.

Considerations

While the term cholesterol has been linked with heart disease and blocked arteries, your body needs the substance to properly function. It is when the levels of cholesterol become too high that it becomes harmful.

Source:

Cholesterol's Importance to the Cell Membrane

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Why is cholesterol needed in the plasma membrane?

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