Advertisement

For lipids, this poses a problem since they’re generally not water-soluble.

The transport problem has been solved by incorporating cholesterol and triglycerides into the lipoproteins, as described before. (See "Other lipids - phospholipids".) These lipoproteins are classified according to their density or protein content.

LDL and HDL are varieties of lipoproteins:

• LDL stands for "low-density lipoprotein". Its main function is to carry cholesterol to tissues, where it is deposited for use, or, when levels are high, for storage. Because this function of LDL is so strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, it has become known as “bad cholesterol”.
• HDL, by contrast, stands for a "high-density lipoprotein". It is known as “good cholesterol” because its work is to remove excess cholesterol from tissues, and to transport it back to the liver for disposal.

Reviewed by Dr A.G. Hall (B.Soc.Sc.(SW), MB,Ch.B)
Last updated: 2008/05/19
 

Print this article

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Civil Engineering Technician Gauteng - Johannesburg Accountant Gauteng - North/Sandton Financial Manager R550,000-600,000 Per Annum Central African Republic Financial Accountant R300,000-340,000 Per Annum Gauteng Treasury Specialist R500,000-630,000 Per Annum Gauteng - East Rand Credit Manager R300,000-400,000 Per Annum Mpumalanga Financial Manager R27,000-30,000 Per Month Gauteng - North/Sandton Delphi developers Gauteng - North/Sandton Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job