LDL bound to receptor. Computer illustration of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL),or 'bad' cholesterol,molecule (round) bound to an LDL receptor (LDLR) protein (Y-shaped),with red blood cells (erythrocytes,red) in a blood vessel (not to scale). Each molecule of LDL 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. LDL receptors recognise and bind to LDL molecules to remove them from the bloodstream | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / De Angelis, Maurizio |
Bildgröße: | 5000 px × 3750 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |