Why Do Animal Cell Membranes Contain Cholesterol?

💡 The Answer

• Cholesterol inserts between phospholipids, reducing membrane fluidity at high temperatures and prevent crystallization at low temperatures.
• It increases the mechanical stability of the membrane without compromising flexibility.
• Cholesterol also modulates the activity of membrane proteins and promotes lipid raft formation.
• This sterol is essential for maintaining proper membrane function and structural integrity in animal cells.