Sterols are essential in all eukaryotic cell membranes. Sterols reduce membrane fluidity and permeability, and increase membrane rigidity and strength.

What is the role of sterols in cell membrane?

Sterols, the third lipid class, also regulate biological processes and sustain the domain structure of cell membranes where they are considered as membrane reinforcers [2]. … They have been proposed as key molecules to maintain membranes in a state of fluidity adequate for function.

How does cholesterol decrease membrane fluidity?

One of cholesterol’s functions is to reduce the fluidity of the membrane.To do so, it forms strong interactions with phospholipids using its rigid steroid ring structure. At high temperatures, these interactions stiffen the membrane and interfere with phospholipid mobility.