Biochemistry of lipids in health and disease Flashcards
what is the function of cholesterol
helps maintain structure and fluidity of cell membrane
how is cholesterol embedded in the plasma membrane
OH group interacts with polar heads
rest of molecule embedded
how do lipid rafts help with cell signalling
form bridges between receptor and signal so it is transmitted across membrane
what does cholesterol act as a precursor molecule for (i.e. template)
bile/bile acids
vitamin D
steroid hormones
what are the functions of triglycerides
aids in structure of cell membranes due to polar and non-polar properties
high concentrated energy stores
how are lipids carried around the body
lipoproteins
how are lipoproteins structures
hydrophobic contents are contained inward
what are chylomicrons
large molecules containing many fats
how are chylomicrons reduced
enzymes in the blood ‘snip’ off fat
what are the product molecules of delipidation
very low density lipoprotein
intermediate density
LDL
HDL
how do lipoproteins become more dense
lose more fat
decrease in diameter
what is the function of HDLs
carries the cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver (origin)
what is the exogenous cycle
chylomicron journey from gut to liver whilst being acted on by lipoprotein lipase
what happens during the endogenous cycle
VLDL leave the liver lose fat, become LDL
What is atherosclerosis
hardening of the artery walls due to the build up of plaques
how is a blood clot formed
fibre cap ruptures
platelets accumulate
what type of process is atherosclerosis
inflammatory
what is a necrotic core
forms under the endothelium as result of a large plaque
cells in centre do not have a blood supply
how do statins work
statins inhibit a key enzyme needed for cholesterol, liver cells increase LDL receptors
what other processes can statins inhibit
smooth muscle migration
adherence of platelets
