Membrane Lipids and Their Functions

Membrane Lipids & Function Membranes are fluid mosaics of lipids and proteins.

Key lipids are phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol. Their structure dictates membrane

properties. Fluidity is crucial. It comes from the lipids themselves. Unsaturated fatty

acids have kinks, preventing tight packing, increasing fluidity. Saturated chains

pack tightly, making the membrane more rigid. Cholesterol is a stabilizer.

At high temperatures, it reduces fluidity. At low temperatures, it prevents tight packing,

maintaining fluidity. It makes the membrane consistently functional. Vesicles are membrane "balloons."

Their formation relies on membrane fluidity. COPI, COPII,