High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is characterized by which property?

• A. low protein density and take cholesterol away from peripheral tissues
• B. enriched in triglycerides and store cholesterol
• C. primarily composed of phospholipids and DNA
• D. high protein density and take cholesterol away from peripheral tissues

Answer: (D)

HDL’s defining feature is its high protein content relative to lipids, giving it a high protein density among lipoproteins. That protein-rich composition enables HDL to shuttle cholesterol away from peripheral tissues and return it to the liver for disposal or reuse, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. This is why the best description is high protein density and remove cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The other descriptions misstate either HDL’s composition (not primarily triglycerides or DNA) or its role (HDL doesn’t store cholesterol in lipids; it helps remove it).