low-density lipoprotein
low-density lipoprotein
A class of lipoproteins of small size (18-25 nm) and low density (1.019-1.063 g/ml) particles with a core composed mainly of cholesterol esters and smaller amounts of triglycerides. The surface monolayer consists mostly of phospholipids, a single copy of apolipoprotein B-100, and free cholesterol molecules. The main function of LDL is to transport cholesterol and cholesterol esters from the liver. Excessive levels are associated with cardiovascular disease.