Transporting Fat: Lipoproteins

Chylomicrons belong to a class of particles known as lipoproteins. Lipoproteins have a monolayer of phospholipids as an outer shell, creating a hydrophobic interior. In contrast, cell membranes with a phospholipid bilayer, create a hydrophilic interior.

A diagram of a lipoprotein showing a single outer layer, or monolayer, of phospholipids appears next to a diagram of a cell membrane with two phospholipid layers, or bilayer. The interior of the lipoprotein is labeled Hydrophobic and the interior of the cell membrane is labeled Hydrophilic. — Lipoprotein with a phospholipid monolayer and a hydrophobic interior. Cell membrane with a phospholipid bilayer and a hydrophilic interior.