Chylomicrons physical properties

Lipoproteins are globular, micelle-like particles consisting of a hydrophobic core of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic coat of protein, phospholipid and cholesterol. The apolipoproteins (apoproteins) on the surface of the lipoproteins help to solubilize the lipids and target the lipoproteins to the correct tissues. There are five different types of lipoprotein, classified according to their functional and physical properties chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs), intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs), low density lipoproteins (LDLs), and high density lipoproteins (HDLs). The major function of lipoproteins is to transport triacylglycerols, cholesterol and phospholipids around the body. 

The chemical-physical properties of lipoproteins are listed in Table 19.1. It is seen that the density of lipoproteins is lowest for chylomicrons, followed by VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL. As density increases, the amount of lipid de-... 

Representative data on the physical properties of chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein classes are compared in Table 1. It is apparent that chylomicrons are readily separated from very low density lipoproteins by ultracentrifugal flotation. The data suggest that a class of particulate lipid, secondary particles, which are distinct from primary particles or chylomicrons, exists in plasma... 

Table 1. Physical properties of chylomicrons, secondary particles, and very low density lipoproteins...

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