LDL Structure
According to the American Heart Association, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol throughout the bloodstream, along with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL gets referred to as "bad cholesterol" due to the tendency for it to build up as plaque in artery walls. This buildup sometimes leads to a heart attack.
Overall Structure
LDL contains, as the name suggests, both lipids and proteins. The lipids and proteins form a "ball" structure that acts as a transport for cholesterol.
Cholesterol Carrier
The structure of LDL allows the complex to carry cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to the areas in the body that need membrane integrity (a prime function of cholesterol).
Phospholipid Monolayer
The structural integrity of LDL is supported by a single layer of phospholipids. The phospholipids, which also act as the cell membrane in all cells, allow the LDL to hold a solid core of triacylglycerol for transport.
Apolipoprotein B100
Apolipoprotein B100 is a protein that binds to a fat on the suface of an LDL molecule. While the function of apolipoprotein B100 has not been fully studied, it is known that the molecule allows for binding to the cell surface for uptake.
LDL Subtypes
Different LDL molecules can also be described in densities relative to one another. LDLs with lower density seem to cause a greater risk of coronary heart disease than larger LDLs with a higher density.
Tags: Apolipoprotein B100, LDLs with, lipids proteins
