Which lipoprotein density range corresponds to LDL?

Which lipoprotein density range corresponds to LDL?

• A. Chylomicrons
• B. VLDL
• C. IDL
• D. LDL

Answer: (D)

Lipoprotein density increases as triglyceride content decreases. Chylomicrons are packed with triglycerides, so they are the least dense; as triglycerides are removed, particles become VLDL, then IDL, and finally LDL, which has relatively more cholesterol esters and protein. This makes LDL the densest of the major lipoproteins. The density range for LDL is roughly 1.019–1.063 g/mL, which is higher than the ranges for chylomicrons, VLDL, and IDL.

Lipoprotein density increases as triglyceride content decreases. Chylomicrons are packed with triglycerides, so they are the least dense; as triglycerides are removed, particles become VLDL, then IDL, and finally LDL, which has relatively more cholesterol esters and protein. This makes LDL the densest of the major lipoproteins. The density range for LDL is roughly 1.019–1.063 g/mL, which is higher than the ranges for chylomicrons, VLDL, and IDL.