text: A lipoprotein is a biochemical assembly that contains both proteins and lipids. The lipids or their derivatives may be covalently or non-covalently bound to the proteins. Many enzymes, transporters, structural proteins, antigens, adhesins and toxins are lipoproteins. Examples include the high density and low density lipoproteins of the blood, the transmembrane proteins of the mitochondrion and the chloroplast, and bacterial lipoproteins.\n\nGeneral categories of lipoproteins, listed in order from larger and less dense (more fat than protein) to smaller and more dense (more protein, less fat):\n\nChylomicrons - carry triacylglycerol (fat) from the intestines to the liver and to adipose tissue. \n\nVery low density lipoproteins - carry (newly synthesised) triacylglycerol from the liver to adipose tissue.\n \nIntermediate density lipoproteins - are intermediate between VLDL and LDL. They are not usually detectable in the blood. \nLow density lipoproteins - carry cholesterol from the liver to cells of the body. Sometimes referred to as the "bad cholesterol" lipoprotein. \n\nHigh density lipoproteins - collects cholesterol from the body's tissues, and brings it back to the liver. Sometimes referred to as the "good cholesterol" lipoprotein. \n\nAlpha and beta\nIt is also possible to classify lipoproteins as "alpha" and "beta", akin to the classification of proteins in serum protein electrophoresis. This terminolgy is sometimes used in describing lipid disorders such as Abetalipoproteinemia.\n\nThat's My Best Answer!