lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are particles, which are assemblies of lipids and proteins. Their outer surface consists of a phospholipid layer. The outer part of the phospholipids is hydrophilic, and the inner part is hydrophobic. Inside the particle, in the core, completely non-polar or hydrophobic lipid molecules are present. In addition, proteins are present in these particles. The whole point of lipoproteins is to transfer lipids through blood and body fluids. Everyone knows that lipids are non-polar and hence insoluble in water. These assemblies are made in order to solubilize them in water, much like soap solublizing fats and oils. The proteins in the lipoproteins also help in solubilizing the lipids, and also in identifying the lipoproteins. The target cells recognize the proteins and take them in.