5.4 Lipid Transport in the Body Flashcards
What are lipoproteins?
Particles containing a core of triglycerides and cholesterol surrounded by a shell of protein, phospholipids, and cholesterol that transport lipids in blood and lymph.
What happens to lipids after a meal?
They are transported from the small intestine to the organs in the body for use as fuel.
post-prandial state
The time following a meal when nutrients from the meal are being absorbed.
chylomicrons
Lipoproteins that transport lipids from the mucosal cells of the small intestine and deliver triglycerides to other body cells.
What is the difference between low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)? Compare and contrast their functions.
LDL transport and deliver cholesterol. HDL help return cholesterol to the liver for reuse or elimination.
What is lipoprotein lipase?
An enzyme that breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol; attached to the cell membranes of cells that line the blood vessels.
What are very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs)?
Lipoproteins assembled by the liver that carry lipids from the liver and deliver triglycerides to body cells.
What are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)?
Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol to cells. Elevated LDL-cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is an LDL receptor?
A protein on the surface of cells that binds to LDL particles and allows their contents to be taken up for use by the cell.
What are statins?
a widely-used and effective class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, work by suppressing cholesterol synthesis in cells, which in turn increases the number of LDL receptors on cell membranes, resulting in lowered LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood.
What are high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)?
Lipoproteins that pick up cholesterol from cells and transport it to the liver so that it can be eliminated from the body. A high level of HDL decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Why is LDL-cholesterol often referred to as “bad” cholesterol?
High levels of LDL particles in the blood have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease
Why is HDL-cholesterol often referred to as “good” cholesterol?
High levels of HDL in the blood help prevent cholesterol from depositing in the artery walls and are associated with a reduction in heart disease risk
How are VLDLs formed in the liver? What is the most common lipid in VLDLs?
The most common lipid is triglycerides.
What is the relationship between VLDL and LDL?
