Receptor-mediated endocytosis is used to remove low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) from the blood. What effect would defective LDL receptors have on a patient's cholesterol levels and overall risk for heart disease? View Available Hint(s) Patients would have moderate levels of LDL and a low risk of heart disease. Patients would have very high LDL levels and a high risk of heart disease. Patients would have very low levels of LDL and a low risk of heart disease. Patients would have high LDL levels but a low risk of heart disease.

Defective LDL receptors impair the body's ability to clear low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) from the bloodstream. Normally, LDL receptors on cell surfaces bind LDL particles and facilitate their uptake and removal from the blood. When these receptors are defective: 1. **Cholesterol Levels:** LDL particles accumulate in the blood because they are not efficiently removed. This leads to **very high levels of LDL cholesterol**. 2. **Risk for Heart Disease:** Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, where cholesterol deposits build up in the arterial walls. This increases the **risk of heart disease**, including conditions like coronary artery disease and heart attacks. **Correct Answer:** Patients would have very high LDL levels and a high risk of heart disease.