Question

in cells that tend to have large complex shapes (i.e., neurons), the plasma membrane needs to be stabilized. thus, neurons might be expected to be rich in which membrane lipid to help stabilize it?

Explanation:

To determine the membrane lipid that stabilizes the plasma membrane in neurons (cells with complex shapes), we recall membrane lipid functions. Cholesterol is a membrane lipid that helps stabilize cell membranes by reducing membrane fluidity and maintaining structural integrity, especially important for cells with complex shapes like neurons. Other membrane lipids (e.g., phospholipids) form the basic bilayer but cholesterol is key for stabilization.

Answer:

Cholesterol (neurons are expected to be rich in cholesterol to stabilize their plasma membrane as cholesterol helps maintain membrane structure, reducing fluidity and providing stability, which is crucial for cells with complex shapes like neurons).