What percentage of HDL's weight is composed of protein?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a key component of lipid transport in the body, primarily known for its role in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health. HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol" due to its ability to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion or recycling.

In terms of composition, HDL is distinguished by its high protein content compared to other lipoproteins. Specifically, HDL particles are composed of approximately 50% protein by weight. This substantial protein content is important because it includes apolipoproteins, which play crucial roles in the metabolism of lipoproteins and contribute to HDL's functionality.

The presence of these apolipoproteins enhances HDL's role in reverse cholesterol transport, helping to remove excess cholesterol from tissues and arterial walls. The high percentage of protein also contributes to HDL's structural integrity, ensuring that it can effectively carry out its biochemical functions.

In contrast to the other answer choices, which suggest much lower percentages, the 50% protein composition reflects HDL's unique characteristics and functional importance in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. Thus, the choice indicating that 50% of HDL's weight is composed of protein is accurate and reinforces the significance of proteins in this lipoprotein