In the context of the lipid bilayer, where is cholesterol primarily found in the plasma membrane?

• A. Intercalated between phospholipid fatty acid tails within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer
• B. Exclusively in the aqueous cytosol, where it prevents membrane lipid oxidation
• C. Only on the outer leaflet surface, forming a continuous protective coat over phospholipid head groups
• D. Covalently attached to the extracellular domains of integral membrane proteins

Answer: (A)