What is a Lipoprotein?



Lipids, such as triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters, are virtually insoluble in aqueous solution. Therefore, lipids must be transported by the circulation in COMPLEX WITH water-soluble PROTEINS.

 This complex LIPOPROTEIN is a globular micelle-like particle that consists of a nonpolar core of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphiphilic coating of protein, phospholipid, and cholesterol.

 Here is a diagram of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which is approximately 25nm in diameter:
 




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Click for Other Lipoprotein Characteristics

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