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What Is the Purpose of Cholesterol in Cell Membranes?

Cholesterol is one kind of lipid in the membrane of a cell. Some cell membranes, like the ones around bacteria, don't have cholesterol, but many other membranes, such as those in animals do. They let some substances go through the membrane and prevent others from entering. Cholesterol is a building block needed by the body that is produced by the liver.

  1. Identification

    • Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the body and found in animal food. It is needed to make cell membranes, to transport fat through the bloodstream to the liver and to produce some hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause many health problems, including heart disease, stroke and hardened arteries.

    Types

    • Lipoproteins have to transport cholesterol from the bloodstream to cells. Low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, tends to build up in the arteries that go to the heart and brain, slowing blood flow. High density lipoproteins (HDL), known as good cholesterol, carry fat back to the liver for removal from the body.

    Function

    • Cholesterol keeps the cell membrane from shifting by stiffening it, but still helps keep the membrane fluid. Without cholesterol, a cell would need a cell wall, as cholesterol keeps small water-soluble molecules from getting through the two layers of lipids.

    Benefits

    • Cholesterol in cell membranes separate cells from the rest of the world and separate each cell into compartments for different processes. Cholesterol keeps the environment suitable for the proteins in the membrane. Higher HDL levels lower the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or heart disease. Cholesterol also keeps hydrocarbons from crystallizing.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the American Heart Association, build-up of fat in the arteries begins in childhood and slowly increases as we age. To keep cholesterol doing the jobs it's meant to do in cell membranes, the AHA suggests lifestyle changes such as not smoking, following a diet low in saturated fat, getting regular exercise, losing weight and reducing stress.

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