LDL Tutorial

Problem 2: LDL Levels in Adults vs. Newborns

The reduction in levels of the LDL receptor in adults vs. newborns may be explained by the observation that:

	High cholesterol levels in our diet reduce synthesis of LDL receptor mRNA
	Adults have more active oxidation systems that degrade the receptor
	Adults synthesize proteins at a much lower rate than newborns
	Adults have more active lysosomal proteases to degrade endocytosed material