CELL THEORY

GENERAL BIOLOGY 1
1. All living organisms are composed of
MIDTERM NOTES one or more cells.
CELL 2. The cell is the most basic unit of life.
3. All cells arise only from pre-existing
- Basic structural & functional unit of cells.
all living organism
- Smallest unit of life MODERN VERSION OF CELL
- Can replicate independently THEORY
- Came from the Latin word ‘Cella” 1. All known living things are made
which described as tiny boxes or a up of one or more cells.
honeycomb. 2. All living cells arise from
CELL BIOLOGY preexisting cells by division.
3. The cell is fundamental unit of
- Study of cell. structure and function in all living
organism.
ROBERT HOOKE (1665)
4. The activity of an organism
- Discovered the cell and was made depends on the total activity of
possible through the invention of the independent cells.
microscope. 5. Energy flow occurs within cells.
- First observed cell in thin slices of 6. Cells contain DNA which is found
bottle cork. in chromosome and the RNA
found in the nucleus and
ANTON VAN LEEUWENHOEK (1673) cytoplasm.
- Used handmade microscope to 7. All cells are basically the same
observe pond scum. chemical composition in
- Discovered single-celled organism, organisms of similar species.
which he called 'animalcules', 8. Heredity information (DNA) is
modernly known as microorganisms. passed on from cell to cell.
- Also observed blood cells from fish, 9. All cells have the same basic
birds, frogs, dogs and humans. chemical composition.
10. All living organisms are
MATTHIAS SCHLEIDEN (1838) composed of and depend on cell
to function normally.
- German botanist that concluded all
plant parts are made of cells.
THEODOR SCHWANN (1839)
- German physiologist, stated that all
animal tissues are composed of
cells.
RUDOLF VIRCHOW (1858)
- German physician, concluded that
cells must arise from preexisting
cells.
 TYPES OF CELL MEMBRANE-BOUND ORGANELLES
1. PROKARYOTIC CELL NUCLEUS – largest organelle in a cell;
- Single-celled that lacks membrane contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic
bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any material.
organelles in the cytoplasm except
NUCLEOLUS – creates ribonucleic acid
ribosomes.
and ribosomes.
- Cell division occurs mainly by binary
fission. NUCLEAR MEMBRANE – protects the
- First form of life on earth. nucleus by surrounding and acts as a
- Simpler and smaller than eukaryotic barrier between the cell nucleus and
cells. other organs of a cell.
- i.e bacteria
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM –
2. EUKARYOTIC CELL produces protein for the rest of the cell
- Have specialized organelles in the to function.
cytoplasm, a membrane bound ROUGH ER – transport proteins that are
nucleus enclosing genetic material synthesized.
into chromosomes.
- Cell division occurs by mitosis and SMOOTH ER – sythesises lipids.
meiosis.
GOLGI APPARATUS – responsible for
- i.e plants, animals, fungi, protozoa
the modification of proteins received
and algae.
from the ER; its enzymes manufacture
- Larger than prokaryotic and greater
and attach carbohydrates to proteins or
in volume.
lipids.
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS
LYSOSOMES – contain digestive
enzymes to break down materials, such
as non-microorganisms engulfed by
ORGANELLES – structures that allow phagocytes, to recycle food particles
cells to carry their functions. and to capture bacteria.
CELL’S ULTRASTRUCTURE – fine MITOCHONDRIA – powerhouse of the
detail of cell which may be revealed by cell; responsible for aerobic respiration
an electron microscope. in which oxygen is used to make energy
CELL WALL – helps in protecting the from carbohydrates to produce ATP
plasma membrane and plays a vital role (adenosine triphosphate).
in supporting & protecting the cells; a CHROMOSOMES – made up of DNA
thick outer layer made of cellulose that and stored in the nucleus which
gives the cell its shape. contains the instructions for traits and
CELL MEMBRANE – controls the entry characteristics.
and exit of foreign bodies. CHLOROPLAST – responsible for
CYTOPLASM – where major activities photosynthesis in plants and some
happen and breaks down materials. protoctists.
VESICLES – used to store or transport
substances around the cell.
VACUOLES – larger vesicles.
EUKARYOTIC CELLS & PROKARYOTIC
CELLS
NONMEMBRANE-BOUND
ORGANELLES EUKARYOTIC PROKARYOTIC
Cell structure
Have a true nucleus.Prokaryotic
Have no true Typical
nucleus.
cells animal
RIBOSOMES – translates genetic The nucleus that houses DNA is eukaryoticnot separated
information in the form or mRNA into DNA is contained in a from other cells cellular cell
Cell membrane
membrane andYesbut coiled up Yes
in a region
proteins. Cell wall
separated from otherYescalled nucleoid. No
cellular structures.
Centrioles No Yes
CENTRIOLES –microtubules found next Chromosomes One long DNA Many
to the nucleus of animal cells and some Includes animals, plants, Includes archaeans and
strand
fungi, and protists. bacteria
Cilia or Flagella Yes, simple Yes,
protoctists; moves chromosomes arounf complex
by forming fibres called spindle during More complex and much About 10 times smaller in
Endoplasmic No Yes (some
larger. diameter.
cell division. reticulum exceptions)
Golgi complex grow and NoReproduce Yes through
Eukaryotes
ANIMAL CELL PLANT CELL Lysosomes
reproduce through a Nobinary fission Common
wherein 2
Smaller in size Larger in size mitochondria
process called mitosis Nosingle DNA Yes molecules
Enclosed by a rigid cell but in organisms that Noreplicates
Nucleus and
Yes the
Enclosed by a thin
wall in addition to plasma reproduce sexually, the Nooriginal cell
Peroxisomes is divided
Common
plasma membrane.
membrane. reproductive cells are into 2 identical daughter
Ribosomes Yes Yes
Changes its shape. Can’t change shape. produced by meiosis. cells.
No plastids. Plastids are present. Most cellular respiration Cellular respiration
Contains many small Contains large central reactions take place in occurs in the cytoplasm
vacuoles. vacuole. the mitochondria. and/or in the cell
Nucleus lies in the membrane.
Nucleus lies on one side.
center.
Centrioles are absent  CELLULAR RESPIRATION – where both
Centrioles are present. except for lower plant
eukaryotic & prokaryotic get the energy they
forms.
Lysosomes are present. Lysosomes are rare. need to grow and maintain normal cellular
Glyoxysomes are function; has three main stages: (1)
Glyoxysomes are absent.
present. glycolysis, (2) citric acid cycle, and (3)
Plasmodesmata is Plasdomesmata is electron transport.
absent. present.
Reserved food in form of Reserved food in the
glycogen. form of starch.
Can’t synthesize amino Synthesize all amino
acids, co-enzymes and acids, co-enzymes and
vitamins required. vitamins required.
Spindle formed during Spindle formed during
division is aphiastral. division is anastral.
Cytokinesis occurs by Cytokinesis occurs by CELL FACTS:
construction of furrowing. cell plate method.
Don’t burst if placed in 1. Cells are too small to be seen without
Burst if placed in
hypotonic solution magnification.
hypotonic solution.
because of cell wall. - Range in size from 1-100 micrometer.
- TWO MICROSCOPES OF TODAY:
1) Scanning Electron Microscope
2) Transmission Electron Microscope
BACTERIAL CELL
2. There are two primary types of cell:
- Known for their role in causing eukaryotic and prokaryotic.
illnesses but there are also good
ones. 3. Prokaryotic single-celled organisms are the
earliest and most primitive forms of life on
- Single cellular microscopic
Earth.
organisms.
- Have fewer structures compared to 4. There are more bacterial cells in the body
animal and plant cells than human cells.
 - About 95% of all the cell in the body are squamous and the rest are tall and narrow
bacteria; and most of these are in the called columnar.
digestive tract. 5. MUSCLE CELLS – make up the muscle
tissue; mostly long, large, and have the
5. Cells contain genetic material. ability to contract and relax providing
- Human cells contain 23 pairs of movements.
chromosomes, 22 of those are 1) Skeletal muscle cells – attached to long
autosomes and 1 pair is the sex bones and assist in their movement.
chromosomes. (X and Y) 2) Cardiac muscle cells – present only in
heart muscle and responsible for heart
6. Cells contain structures called organelles beats.
which carry out specific functions. 3) Smooth muscle cells – flexible ye can
contract and relax and are present in
7. Different types of cells reproduce through stomach, intestine, blood vessel walls,
different methods. helping in movement of food through the
- Prokaryotic reproduce through binary gut.
fission - a process wherein two identical
cells are derived from a single cell. 6. SECRETORY CELLS – secretory in nature;
- Eukaryotic reproduce through mitosis, they form glands and secrete something
but for organisms that reproduce important.
sexually, it reproduces through meiosis 7. ADIPOSE CELLS – fat cells and are storage
wherein gametes are produces. by nature to store fat; seen in the soles,
palms, and bums and they reduce friction of
8. Groups of similar cells form tissues. the body.
8. BLOOD CELLS – include RBC’s, WBC, and
9. Cells have varying life span. Thrombocytes (platelet); always motile and
never stay in one place; they have limited life
10. Cells commit suicide. span and they never multiply to form new
- When a cell is damaged and undergoes cells, instead new cells are formed from
an infection, it will self-destruct by a other cells.
process called apoptosis – it works to
ensure proper development and to keep
the body’s natural process of mitosis in
check.
- A cell that fails to undergo apoptosis can
result to cancer.

CELL TYPES
TYPES OF CELLS IN HUMAN BODY &
1. BONE CELLS (OSTEOCYTES) – toughest THEIR FUNCTIONS
body cell as they are bound together by
calcium and phosphate.
2. CARTILAGE CELLS (CHONDROCYTES) –
similar to bone cells but the surrounding 1) CONDUCTIVE CELLS – under this
mineral is just loose and flexible compared to category are nerve and muscle cells;
those of bone cells. have internal ability to conduct and
3. NERVE CELLS – very long and have many electric impulse from one regions to
branching at either ends; their specialty is
other distant region in the body.
they never multiply in one’s lifetime.
4. EPITHELIAL CELLS – simple cells which
2) CONNECTIVE CELLS – under this
covers other cells and present in skin, scalp, category are bone and blood cells; help
respiratory tract, in the buccal cavity surface connect other cells and tissues.
among others; differs in shape, some are 3) GLANDULAR CELLS – secretory cells;
cuboidal, others are thin and flat known as form glands like pancreas, salivary
 glands and help on production of - Have pointed thread-like cilia which
enzymes and hormones. move in one particular direction to
4) STORAGE CELLS – adipose cells; pass material.
some liver cells act to store materials f) Blood cells
like fat for later use and this fat is - Never attached to one another.
consumed in time of starvation and also - Freely flow in the liquid blood.
in excess cold temperatures. - Some of them are not alive (RBC).
5) SUPPORTIVE CELLS – act as support - Others have varied shapes like WBC
to adjacent cells; example is when glial that are also called the body defense
cells in the brain and spinal cord help cells because they have the ability to
provide nourishment to the nerve cells eat foreign particles like bacteria.
and protect them from shocks and
trauma. CELL MODIFICATIONS

1) Stem cells
- Unique cells of the body in that they
6) SPECIAL TYPES OF CELLS: are unspecialized and have the ability
to develop into specialized cells for
a) Sperm cells specific organs or to develop into
- These cells are haploid (have only tissues.
one set of chromosome) - Able to divide and replicate many
- Present only in males after puberty times in order to replenish and repair
- Have tail which enables them to swim tissue.
and move in female uterus - Scientists are attempting to take
- They have an enzyme namely advantage of the renewal properties of
hayaluronidase which helps them stem cells by utilizing them to
penetrate through uterine tissue and generate cells for tissue repair.
reach oocytes. 2) Blood cells
b) Oocytes - These are vital to life because it
- Haploid and present in adult female transport oxygen throughout the body
genital system. to fight infection.
- Start to form after puberty and - RBC determines blood type and
continue so till the stage of responsible for transporting oxygen to
menopause. cells.
- Accept sperm cells to form zygote - WBC are immune system cells that
(fertilized egg) which grows further in destroy pathogens and provide
the uterus to form a baby. immunity.
- Platelets helps to blood clot and
prevent excessive blood loss due to
c) Stem cells broken or damaged blood vessels.
- Basic cells or parent cells which can
differentiate into any cell based on the 3) Fat cells
requirement. - Also called adipocytes, are the major
- Given so much importance due to component of adipose tissue.
their promising role in the treatment of - Contains droplets of stored fat
disorders in the future. (triglycerides) that can be used for
d) Rods and Cones energy.
- In the eyes and have capacity to - When stored, it swell and round in
capture image and color and light. shape.
e) Ciliated cells - When used, it shrink in size.
- Present as lining of respiratory tract - Have an endocrine function as they
and esophagus. produce hormones that influence sex
 hormone metabolism, blood pressure - Male sex cells or sperm are motile
regulation, insulin sensitivity, fat and have a long, tail-like projection
storage and use, blood clotting, and called flagellum.
cell signaling. - Female sex cells or ova are non-
4) Skin cells motile and relatively large in
- Composed of a layer of epithelial comparison to male gamete.
tissue (epidermis) that is supported - Replicate through meiosis.
by a layer of consecutive tissue 8) Cancer cells
(dermis) and an underlying - Cancer results from the development
subcutaneous layer. of abnormal properties in normal cells
- The skin protects the internal that enable them to divide
structures of the body from damage, uncontrollably and spread to other
prevents dehydration, acts as a barrier locations.
against germs, stores fat, and - These cells’ development can be
produces vitamins and hormones. cause by mutations that occur from
5) Endothelial cells factors such as chemicals, radiation,
- Form the inner lining of cardiovascular uv light, chromosome replication
system and lymphatic system errors, or viral infection.
structures. - Lose sensitivity to anti-growth signals,
- Make up the inner layer of blood proliferate rapidly, and lose the ability
vessels, lymphatic vessels, and to undergo apoptosis.
organs including the brain, lungs, skin,
and heart.
- Responsible for angiogenesis or the Muscle cells – made up of a pair of special
creation of new blood vessels. proteins called actin and myosin which
- Regulate the movement of allows the muscle to contract.
macromolecules, gases, and fluid
between the blood and surrounding RBC – are enucleate, thus are produced
tissues. from bone marrow, but contains large
- Help to regulate blood pressure. amounts of hemoglobin to transport oxygen
6) Nerve cells throughout the body.
- Also called neurons are the basic unit
of the nervous system.
- Nerves send signals among the brain,
spinal cord, and other body organs via
nerve impulses.

-
Contains of two major parts: cell
body & nerve processes.
 Cell body – contains the
neuron’s nucleus, cytoplasm, THE CELL CYCLE
and organelles.
 Nerve processes – finger-
like projections (axons and CELL CYCLE – complex sequence of
dendrites) that extend from events by which cell grows grow and divide;
the cell body and are able to in eukaryotic cells, it has 4 distinct phases:
conduct and transmit signals.
7) Sex cells 1) Mitosis phase (M)
- Also called gametes are reproductive 2) Gap 1 phase (G1)
cells produced in male and female 3) Synthesis phase (S) INTERPHASE
gonads. 4) Gap 2 phase (G2)
 -
The spindle fully develops and the
chromosomes align at the metaphase
INTERPHASE plate (plane that is equally distant
- During this segment of cell cycle, a from the two poles.
cell doubles its cytoplasm and  Anaphase
synthesizes DNA. - Paired chromosomes separate and
- It is estimated that the dividing cell begin moving to opposite ends of the
spends about 90-95 percent of its time cell.
in this phase. - Spindle fibers not connected to
 G1 Phase chromatids lengthen and elongate the
- Period prior to the synthesis in DNA. cell.
- Cell increases in mass and organelle  Telophase
number in preparation for cell division. - Chromosomes are cordoned off into
- Animal cells in this phase are diploid, distinct new nuclei and the genetic
meaning they have two sets of content of the cell is divided equally
chromosomes. into two parts.
 S Phase CYTOKINESIS – begins prior to the end of
- Period which DNA is synthesized. mitosis and completes shortly after
- There is a narrow window of time telophase.
during which DNA is synthesized.
- The chromosome content is doubled GAP 0 PHASE
in this phase.
- Cells in the body can also be place in
 G2 Phase
this non-dividing state at any point of
- Period after DNA synthesis but prior to
their life.
the start of mitosis.
- The cell synthesizes additional - Cells may remain in this stage for a
proteins and continues to increase in very long period of time until signaled
size. again to undergo cell cycle.
- Cells that contains genetic mutations
are permanently placed in this phase
to ensure that they are not replicated
MITOSIS & CYTOKINESIS

- The contents of the dividing cell are

equally distributed between two
daughter cells.

 Prophase
- Changes occur in both cytoplasm and
nucleus of the dividing cell.
- Chromatin condenses into discrete
chromosomes. CELL CYCLE & MEIOSIS
- Chromosomes begin to migrate  MEIOSIS – occurs in sex cells and is
toward the cell center. similar to mitosis; after complete cycle,
- Nuclear envelope breaks down and four daughter cells are produced; each
spindle fibers form at opposite poles cell contains half the number of
of the cell. chromosomes.
 Fertilization – process when male &
female gametes unite.
 Metaphase  Zygote – one diploid cell formed during
- Nuclear membrane disappears fertilization.
completely.
 Genetic recombination – special type cell division when sperm & egg
of cell division that occurs during undergo when they are developing.
formation of sperm & egg cells and - Normally, meiosis causes halving of
gives them the correct number of chromosome material, so that each
chromosomes. parent give 23 chromosomes.
 Crossing-over – while pressed - Trisomy – having an extra
together, chromosomes may break, and chromosome.
each may swap a portion of its genetic - Monosomy – having a missing
material for the matching portion from its chromosome.
mate. - Chromosome disorder – caused by
 Independent assortment – when alteration in the # or genetic structure
chromosomes moves independently of of chromosomes.
all others. - Most common forms of trisomy
1) Down syndrome
2) Edward syndrome
APPLICATIONS OF MITOSIS/MEIOSIS 3) Patau syndrome

1. Meiosis produces gametes 2. MITOSIS

2. Mitosis builds reproductive organs – - Name used to describe the cell
meiosis is only possible because mitosis division that all other cells, besides
made organs that nurture the cells to sperm & egg.
undergo meiosis. - Normally, this causes a duplication,
3. The reproductive endocrine system – followed by halving of chromosome,
the brain & reproductive organs talk to so that each cell doubles the # of
each other by releasing endocrine chromosomes to 92, then splits in half,
hormones into the blood. so that the normal total of 46 is
4. Spermatogonia & Oogonia – mitosis resumed.
sustains meiosis is that the cells that - Begins after fertilization.
undergo meiosis to produce gametes - Continues throughout our lifetime.
can also undergo mitosis before meiosis - Mosaicism – condition which cells
so that they can make more copies of within the same person have a
themselves; these cells in men are different genetic makeup; affect blood
called spertmatogonia & in female is cells, egg & sperm.
oogonia.
3. MATERNAL AGE
- When a mother will be 35 years of age
at delivery, she may referred for
genetic counselling or for prenatal
diagnosis, such as amniocentesis
because of her age.
- Risk for a baby to be born with a
chromosome abnormality increases
with the age of the mother.
CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES
OCCURS AS RESULTS OF ERRORS OF 4. ENVIRONMENT
THE FF: - How a woman’s body processes the B
vitamin folic acid, may have
something to do with why
1. MEIOSIS chromosome abnormalities happen.
- Chromosome abnormalities may
occur in meiosis as this describes the
 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF CELL hormones, neurotransmitters, and
MEMBRANE other signaling molecules.
- Transport proteins – such as
globular proteins, transport molecules
 Cell membrane structure across cell membranes through
- Composed of a mix of proteins and facilitated diffusion.
lipids. - Glycoproteins - have a carbohydrate
- Lipids can make up anywhere from chain attached to them; are
20-80% of the membrane, and helps embedded in the cell membrane to
give membranes their flexibility. help in cell to cell communications and
- Proteins monitor and maintain the molecule transport across the
cell’s chemical climate & assist in the membrane.
transfer of molecules across the
membrane.

 Cell Membrane Lipids Structure & Composition of the Cell

- Phospholipids – major components Membrane
of cell membranes; form a lipid bilayer
in which their hydrophilic head areas  Plasma Membrane – defined as a
spontaneously arrange to face the biological membrane of a cell, which is
aqueous cytosol & the extracellular composed of two layers of
fluid, while their hydrophobic tail areas phospholipids & embedded with
face away from the cytosol. proteins; a thin semi-permeable
- Cytosol – fluid contain in the cell’s membrane layer that surrounds the
cytoplasm. cytoplasm & other constituents of the
- Lipid bilayer – semi-permeable, cell.
allowing only certain molecules to
diffuse across the membrane. Functions of Plasma Membrane:
- Amphipathic molecules – a property 1) Separates contents of the cell from
of phospholipids by having both its outside environment & regulates
hydrophilic & hydrophobic parts. what enters & exits the cell.
- Cholesterol – another lipid 2) Protects integrity of the interior of
component of animal cell membranes; the cell by allowing only selected
dispersed between membrane substances into the cell & keeping
phospholipids; helps to keep other substances out.
membranes from becoming stiff by 3) Serves as a base of attachment for
preventing phospholipids from being the cytoskeleton and cell wall; helps
too closely packed. maintains shape of the cell.
4) Composed of proteins & lipids.
- Glycolipids – located on cell 5) Lipid bilayer is semi-permeable
membrane surfaces & have a which allows only selected
carbohydrate sugar chain attached to molecules to diffuse across the
them; help cell to recognize other cells membrane.
of the body.

 Cell Membrane Proteins

- Structural proteins – help to give cell
Characteristics of Plasma Membrane
support and shape.
- Made up of two layers of
- Receptor proteins – help cells
phospholipids.
communicate with their external
- Has many proteins embedded in it.
environment through the use of
- Regulates entry & exit of the cell.
 - Many molecules cross the cell  Diffusion / Osmosis – examples of
membrane by diffusion & osmosis. process when materials move through
- Fundamental structure of membrane membranes and within cells by passive
is phospholipid bilayer & forms a transport mechanism.
stable barrier between two aqeuous  Passive transport – cells do not use
compartments. any energy to move the molecules.
 Gradient – gradual change.
Plasma Membrane Structure  Active transport – the cell used energy
1) Boundary that separates living cell in the form of ATP to get molecules into
from their non-living surroundings. or out of the cell against the gradient.
2) Phospholipids bilayer.  Diffusion – tendency of molecules to
3) Amphipathic. move from areas of high concentrations
4) Fluid mosaic of lipids, proteins, and into areas the same molecules are in a
carbohydrate. lower concentration; result of intrinsic
5) Lipid bilayer. thermal energy found in all molecules at
Components of Plasma Membrane temperature above 0.
1) Glycoprotein – used for cell  Simple diffusion – does not require
recognition & act as receptors & energy, instead, it happens by random
antigens. motion.
2) Glycolipids – attached to  Osmosis – movement of the solvent
phospholipids along w/ sugar through a semi-permeable membrane
chains. from areas of high concentrations to
3) Lipids w/ short chain of areas of low concentration of the same
carbohydrates – attached on the solvent.
extracellular side of the membrane.  Hypotonic solution – where fluids
4) Phospholipid bilayer – made up of surrounding the cell has lower osmotic
phosphates & lipids. pressure, the water moves into the
5) Cholesterol – maintains fluidity of cell.
cell surface membrane.  Isotonic solution – the water entering
& leaving is about equal and so there is
Prokaryotic Plasma Membrane – no net movement.
composed of phospholipids bilayer w/  Hypertonic solution – fluid surrounding
embedded proteins. the cell has lower osmotic pressure, the
water moves out of a cell.
Eukaryotic Plasma Membrane – a  Turgor pressure – increase of pressure
phospholipids bilayer containing proteins & inside the cell that is cause by
carbohydrates attached to proteins & movement of water molecules into the
sterols. cell.
 Facilitated diffusion – help move
molecules along the concentration
gradient without any additional energy
input by the cell.
 Bulk transport – movement of
macromolecules such as proteins /
polysaccharides into or out of the cell.
 Exocytosis – materials are exported
out of the cell via secretory vesicles;
important in expulsion of waste
materials out of the cell & in the
TRANSPORT MECHANISMS secretion of cellular products such as
enzymes / hormones.
 Endocytosis – materials move into the
cell.
1) Phagocytosis – also called as
cellular eating wherein cell’s plasma
membrane surrounds a
macromolecule and buds off food
vacuole.
2) Pinocytosis – also called as
cellular drinking wherein cell engulfs
drops of fluid by pinching in &
forming vesicles that are smaller
than phagosomes.
3) Receptor-mediated endocytosis –
extremely selective process of
importing materials into the cell.

 Coat proteins – covers the cytosolic

surface of coated pits.
 LDLs – stands for low-density
lipoproteins, a lipid-protein complexes
wherein the cholesterol in the blood is
usually found.