Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

06:47
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
[Basic mechanisms: structure, function and metabolism of plasma lipoproteins].
Teresa L Errico1, Xiangyu Chen, Jesús M Martin Campos
1IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, España.
Summary
This review explains lipoprotein physiology, detailing how lipoproteins like LDL and HDL transport lipids. It covers their classification, metabolism, and regulation by nuclear receptors for optimal lipid management.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Context:
- Lipoproteins are crucial for lipid transport and metabolism.
- Understanding lipoprotein function is key to metabolic health.
Purpose:
- To provide fundamental information on lipoprotein physiology.
- To elucidate the roles of various lipoproteins in lipid transport.
Summary:
- Lipoproteins are classified by density (chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL) and facilitate lipid transport.
- LDL transports cholesterol to tissues, while HDL performs reverse cholesterol transport, moving cholesterol to the liver for excretion.
- Nuclear receptors regulate genes involved in lipoprotein and triglyceride metabolism.
Impact:
- Provides foundational knowledge for further research in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease.
- Highlights the importance of lipoprotein regulation in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
Structure of Lipids
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Structure of Lipids
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Structure of Lipids
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...

