What is the electrophoretic order from cathode to anode?

• A. CM, LDL, B-VLDL, VLDL, Lp(a), HDL
• B. HDL, Lp(a), VLDL, LDL, CM
• C. LDL, CM, VLDL, HDL, Lp(a)
• D. Lp(a), LDL, CM, VLDL, HDL

Answer: (A)

In lipoprotein electrophoresis, particles separate mainly by their net charge and size at the chosen pH, with negatively charged particles moving toward the positive electrode (anode). The bigger the particle, the slower its movement, so they tend to stay nearer the starting point (cathode). Chylomicrons are the largest lipoproteins, so they remain closest to the cathode. As you move toward the anode, you encounter progressively smaller and more mobile particles: LDL is smaller and moves farther; beta‑VLDL sits between LDL and VLDL in mobility; true VLDL moves even farther; lipoprotein(a) is bulkier than HDL and thus migrates between VLDL and HDL; HDL is the smallest and most mobile, ending near the anode. Therefore the order from cathode to anode is chylomicrons, LDL, beta‑VLDL, VLDL, Lp(a), HDL.