Metabolism and Substance Control

Lipoproteins & Cholesterol Transport

• Hydrophobic lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol esters) cannot dissolve in plasma ➔ must be packaged as lipoproteins (analogous to neurotransmitter vesicles)
• Classes (ordered by density = protein content ÷ lipid content)
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
  • Lowest fat : protein ratio → “healthy”
  • Low-Density