hayaspeed prep
Lipoproteins: classification and function sheet
10-mark answer frame

Classify lipoproteins and explain their functions.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

  1. 1 · Open in two lines. Lipoproteins are particles that carry fats, which do not mix with water, through the blood. Each has a fat core and a coat of phospholipids, cholesterol and apoproteins.
  2. 2 · Draw the structure. [Diagram: lipoprotein ball with a core of triglycerides and cholesterol esters, a shell of phospholipids, free cholesterol and apoproteins; beside it, the five classes in order of density]
  3. 3 · Classification.
    • By density (ultracentrifugation): chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL, lightest to densest.
    • By electrophoresis: chylomicrons stay at the origin; pre-β (VLDL), β (LDL), α (HDL).
  4. 4 · Functions of each.
    • Chylomicrons: dietary fat from intestine to tissues.
    • VLDL: liver-made triglycerides to tissues.
    • IDL: short-lived; changes to LDL.
    • LDL: cholesterol to tissues.
    • HDL: cholesterol back to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport).
  5. 5 · Apoproteins. B-48 (chylomicrons), B-100 (VLDL, LDL; binds the LDL receptor), C-II (activates lipoprotein lipase), E (remnant uptake), A-I (HDL; activates LCAT).
  6. 6 · Significance. High LDL leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease; high HDL protects. Lipid profiles use these values to judge heart risk.
  7. 7 · Nutrition link. Cut saturated and trans fats, eat soluble fibre, choose mixed oils and exercise regularly.
  8. 8 · Close in one line. Sum up lipoproteins as the blood's fat-delivery system, with LDL and HDL as the key heart-health markers.

Scoring tip: The table carries most of the marks. Add the density order as an arrow and one line on atherosclerosis.

Write-up practice

The check looks for key words only. It does not grade your answer and never writes it for you.