One of the characteristic features of a living cell is that it controls the exchange of electrically charged ions across the cell membrane and therefore the electrical potential of its interior relative to the exterior. This Scholarpedia page is a basic introduction into the mechanisms underlying this process.
Here are the ranges for total cholesterol in adults: 1  Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL. 2  Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL. 3  High: At or above 240 mg/dL.
Your goal -- the ideal cholesterol numbers -- are a bit of a moving target, but current medical guidelines call for total cholesterol of under 200. Good cholesterol (HDL) should be above 40 for men and above 50 for women. Bad cholesterol (LDL) needs to be as close to 70 as possible.