Question

read the overview then answer the questions that follow. cholesterol is an important component of your cells plasma membranes, providing strength and stability to the phospholipid bilayer. cholesterol is insoluble in water, therefore, it has to be transported within the blood packaged within lipoprotein droplets. the most abundant of these are low - density lipoproteins or ldls. ldls contain relatively high amounts of cholesterol, and they are mainly transported to cells within the peripheral tissues. here, ldls bind to plasma membrane receptors that are specific for ldls. subsequently, receptor - mediated endocytosis of ldls replenishes cellular cholesterol. ldls have a bad reputation. they are often referred to as \bad\ cholesterol because high plasma levels of ldls are associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. this is because the extra cholesterol not used by the peripheral cells may be deposited by ldls on the inner arterial walls, which may lead to atherosclerosis. 1. an individual displaying a larger than normal number of ldl receptors is __________ likely to develop atherosclerosis. less more 2. some individuals have defective genes for ldl receptors rendering them nonfunctional. individuals with these mutations typically have __________ higher than normal blood cholesterol levels due to inability of peripheral cells to uptake ldls lower than normal blood cholesterol levels due to inability of peripheral cells to uptake ldls higher than normal blood cholesterol levels due to an increase in receptor - mediated endocytosis of ldls into peripheral cells lower than normal blood cholesterol levels due to an increase in receptor - mediated endocytosis of ldls into peripheral cells

Explanation:

1. More LDL receptors mean more LDLs can be taken up by cells, reducing the amount of LDL - cholesterol that can deposit on arterial walls, so less likely to develop atherosclerosis.
2. Non - functional LDL receptors prevent peripheral cells from taking up LDLs, leading to higher than normal blood cholesterol levels as the cholesterol carried by LDLs remains in the blood.

Answer:

1. A. less
2. A. higher than normal blood cholesterol levels due to inability of peripheral cells to uptake LDLs