The effects of pH on the membrane fluidity of intact human erythrocytes, ghosts, and their lipid vesicles were studied by spin label techniques in the range of pH 3.0 to 9.1. ... The effects of cholesterol demonstrated that the membrane fluidity was significantly mediated by cholesterol at low pH, but not at high pH.

How does pH affect cell membrane?

Membrane lipids are directly affected by pH, due to their acido-basic properties. pH change can induce lipid vesicle migration and global deformation. pH change can cause polarization in phase-separated membrane of GUVs. Localized pH heterogeneities can induce local dynamical membrane deformations.

What affects membrane fluidity?

Membrane fluidity is affected by fatty acids. More specifically, whether the fatty acids are saturated or unsaturated has an effect on membrane fluidity. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain, and the maximum amount of hydrogen. ... Membrane fluidity is also affected by cholesterol.