Membrane Lipids

Question 1

What are the major functions of biological membranes?

Answer 1

Continuous highly selective permeability barrier
Control of the enclosed electrochemical environment
Communication
Recognition
Signalling
Adhesion proteins
Immune surveillance
Signal generation in response to stimuli

Question 2

What are the different membrane lipid constituents?

Answer 2

Phospholipids
Glycolipids
Cholesterol

Question 3

What is the role of cholesterol in the lipid membrane?

Answer 3

Acts as a ‘buffering molecule’, preventing abrupt changes in membrane fluidity over a range of temperatures