Final answer:
The cholesterol form that pairs with HDL is LDL, also known as "bad cholesterol." LDL carries cholesterol to body tissues, while HDL removes it from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, protecting against heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cholesterol comes in two forms: LDL and HDL. The correct answer to the question is '1) LDL'. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol from the liver to other tissues in the body and are often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because they can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries. Conversely, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as "good cholesterol transporter" because they help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, carrying it to the liver for excretion or reuse, thereby protecting against atherosclerosis.
Furthermore, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) transport triglycerides from the liver to tissues, and as they lose triglycerides through the action of lipoprotein lipase, they can eventually become LDL. Different lipoprotein classes are characterized by their density and the proportion of protein to lipid content, where LDL has a higher cholesterol content and HDL has a higher protein content, reflecting their differing roles in lipid transport and cardiovascular health. Genetics can play a role in an individual's levels of LDL and HDL, affecting their risk for conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).