Explain the two peaks in the diagram. How can a living cell control the position of the second peak to adapt the properties of its membrane to the demands of life?
In blood, lipids are transported in the form of lipoproteins, which having of polar and a polar lipids, as well as proteins with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. In western countries lipoprotein levels are elevated in the blood of many people because of a high fat diet. Especially high amounts of cholesterol and cholesterol-esters in some lipoproteins lead to modifications of blood vessels and lipid deposition (atherosclerosis). This can finally result in a blockage of the blood flow in the arteries supply the heart with oxygen: a heart attack happens, one of the most common causes of death.