Factors that Alter the Fluidity of membrane:

 Phospholipid composition and structure

 Temperature
 Cholesterol
 Proteins
 Carbohydrates

Temperature Altering Fluidity:

 If temperature increases, fluidity increases because phospholipids become less
packed together and are able to move more freely.
 If temperature decreases, fluidity decreases because fatty acids prevent
phospholipids becoming too closely packed

Proteins Altering Fluidity:

 May be either integral (transmembrane) or peripheral and serve a variety of
roles

Cholesterol Altering Fluidity:

 Cholesterol found in eukaryotic cell membranes gives stability to the cell
membrane without affecting its fluidity
 Reduces permeability to small water-soluble molecules

Carbohydrates Altering Fluidity:

 Recognition and adhesion between cells,
 Recognition of antibodies, hormones and viruses by cells