CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Cell membranes and transport

Cell membranes and transport: explain question

Explain6 marksChallenge

A researcher prepared two types of artificial lipid bilayers: one consisting only of phospholipids, and the other containing phospholipids and cholesterol. The fluidity of each bilayer was measured at 10°C and 40°C. At 10°C, the bilayer with cholesterol had higher fluidity than the bilayer without cholesterol. At 40°C, the bilayer with cholesterol had lower fluidity. Explain these observations in terms of the fluid mosaic model and the roles of cholesterol and other components of cell surface membranes.

0 words · 6 marks

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