Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease characterized by high blood levels of cholesterol, xanthomas (lipid-laden nodules that develop under the skin near tendons), and early-onset atherosclerosis (the formation of yellowish plaques within arteries). In the milder form of this disease, patients have half the plasma membrane low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors needed for cells to bind to and internalize LDL (a plasma lipoprotein particle that transports cholesterol and other lipids to tissues). These individuals have their first heart attacks in young adulthood. In the severe form of FH, in which affected individuals have no functional LDL receptors, heart attacks begin at about age 8, with death occurring a few years later. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, briefly describe the cellular processes that are defective in FH.

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Question

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease characterized by high blood levels
of cholesterol, xanthomas (lipid-laden nodules that develop under the skin near tendons), and
early-onset atherosclerosis (the formation of yellowish plaques within arteries). In the milder
form of this disease, patients have half the plasma membrane low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
receptors needed for cells to bind to and internalize LDL (a plasma lipoprotein particle that
transports cholesterol and other lipids to tissues). These individuals have their first heart
attacks in young adulthood. In the severe form of FH, in which affected individuals have no
functional LDL receptors, heart attacks begin at about age 8, with death occurring a few years
later. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, briefly describe the cellular processes
that are defective in FH.

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Cell differentiation
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON