Page 115 - The Manga Guide to Biochemistry

A lipoprotein is a Its surface is
relatively large
spherical clump that covered with It looks kinda
has a neutral lipid or gross to me...
a cholesterol ester* amphipathic
inside it, neither of
which mixes readily phospholipids and

with water. a protein called

apoprotein... ...and free

cholesterol.**

Cholesterol ester
Phospholipid

Free cholesterol

Apoprotein

Splish

Lipoprotein Splash

Lipoproteins can Specific gravity
refers to the entire
be classified into lipoprotein particle in
that, if there are more
several types
neutral lipids than
according to Neluitpridal Protein proteins, the specific
specific gravity,
as you can see gravity decreases.
If there are more
in this figure. proteins than neutral
lipids, the specific
gravity increases.

Chylomicron VLDL LDL HDL

Low (very low-density (low-density (High-density
specific lipoprotein) lipoprotein) lipoprotein)
gravity
High
• More neutral Let's focus specific
on LDL and gravity
lipids HDL for now.
• Fewer neutral
• Fewer proteins
lipids

• more proteins

I see...

* Cholesterol Ester is cholesterol with a fatty acid attached to it.
** A free cholesterol is a cholesterol without a fatty acid attached to it.

Biochemistry in Our Everyday Lives 101