Lipoprotein
Lipoprotein
Lipoprotein (pronounced: /ˌlaɪpoʊˈproʊtiːn/) is a biochemical assembly that contains both proteins and lipids, bound to the proteins, which allow fats to move through the water inside and outside cells. The proteins serve to emulsify the lipid molecules.
Etymology
The term "lipoprotein" is derived from the words "lipid" and "protein", where "lipid" is a substance that is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and "protein" is a large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
Types of Lipoproteins
There are several types of lipoproteins in the body. They are classified based on their density: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and chylomicrons.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Often referred to as "good cholesterol," HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver, which removes the cholesterol from your body.
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL carries cholesterol particles throughout your body, and high levels of LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
- Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): These lipoproteins carry triglycerides, an excess of which can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries.
- Chylomicrons: These are the largest lipoproteins and are responsible for transporting dietary fat from the intestines to other parts of the body.
Related Terms
- Cholesterol: A waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.
- Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
- Coronary artery disease: A disease that occurs when the coronary arteries become hardened and narrowed.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lipoprotein
- Wikipedia's article - Lipoprotein
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