Which statement describes low-density lipoproteins (LDL)?

Which statement describes low-density lipoproteins (LDL)?

• A. Lipoproteins that carry triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues
• B. Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues
• C. Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver
• D. Lipoproteins that remove cholesterol from tissues

Answer: (C)

LDL mainly carries cholesterol produced in the liver out to cells throughout the body, where it’s used for membrane synthesis and steroid hormone production. This delivery role is what LDL is known for, which is why high LDL levels are linked to plaque buildup in arteries. In contrast, HDL works in the opposite direction by picking up cholesterol from tissues and returning it to the liver for disposal. So the statement that describes LDL as transporting cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues is the correct one. The option describing transport from tissues to the liver reflects HDL’s function, and the other options are not accurate for LDL (LDL is not primarily about carrying triglycerides, and it does not remove cholesterol from tissues).

LDL mainly carries cholesterol produced in the liver out to cells throughout the body, where it’s used for membrane synthesis and steroid hormone production. This delivery role is what LDL is known for, which is why high LDL levels are linked to plaque buildup in arteries. In contrast, HDL works in the opposite direction by picking up cholesterol from tissues and returning it to the liver for disposal. So the statement that describes LDL as transporting cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues is the correct one. The option describing transport from tissues to the liver reflects HDL’s function, and the other options are not accurate for LDL (LDL is not primarily about carrying triglycerides, and it does not remove cholesterol from tissues).