Introduction to Chemistry of Lipids

2.6. classification and function of lipoprotein

Cholesterol and other lipids are carried on plasma lipoproteins. 

• Cholesterol and cholesteryl esters, like triacylgycerols and phospholipids are relatively insoluble in water, but must be transported within the body. 

• Therefore, they are carried in the blood plasma as lipoproteins. 

• Lipoproteins are spherical complexes with hydrophobic lipids in the core and hydrophilic amino side chains at the surface which interacts with the aqueous environment. 

• Chylomicrons: are the largest lipoproteins and the least dense which contain a high proportion of triglyceride. 

• The apolipoproteins of chylomicrons are apoB-48, apoE, and apoC-II.