Which lipoprotein is characterized by cholesterol being greater than protein as its major component?

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

Answer: (C)

Lipoprotein particles differ in the balance of lipids and protein they carry. Chylomicrons and VLDL are rich in triglycerides, so triglycerides dominate their makeup rather than cholesterol. HDL contains a relatively large amount of protein, so protein is the main constituent by weight. LDL, however, has a relatively high proportion of cholesterol esters, making cholesterol the dominant component by weight while its protein amount (apolipoprotein B-100) is comparatively smaller. This combination means cholesterol is the major constituent in LDL, which is why it’s the best answer.