Low-density lipoproteins. Computer illustration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol, molecules (round). Each molecule consists of a

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Low-density lipoproteins. Computer illustration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol, molecules (round). Each molecule consists of a core of esterified cholesterol molecules surrounded by a shell (green and yellow) of unesterified cholesterol and phospholipids. The complex structure includes carrier proteins (blue) known as apo-B proteins, which assist transport in the blood. When there are high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may block them.

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Size: 5000px × 3750px
Photo credit: © MAURIZIO DE ANGELIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -, -density, 3-dimensional, 3d, apo-, apolipoprotein, artwork, bad, biochemical, biochemistry, cholesterol, density, dimensional, esterified, healthcare, illustration, ldl, lipoprotein, lipoproteins, medical, medicine, molecule, molecules, particle, particles, phospholipid, phospholipids, structure, unesterified, vesicle