Blood Clotting

Question 1

Describe the process of blood clotting ( atherosclerosis )

Answer 1

1.damage to the blood vessels exposed collagen fibres
2.platelets are activated by collagen fibres and change shape. Long thin projections help stick to exposed collagens as well as platelets, forms platelet plug
3.activated platelets and damaged cells produce a protein called thromboplastin
4.thromboplastin activates a series of enzymes that in presence of vitamin k and calcium ions cause protein prothrombin be converted into the enzyme thrombin
5.thrombin catalysed the conversion of soluble fibrinogen to the insoluble fibrin
6.once fibrin molecules have been formed they can polymerise creating a mesh of fibrin that traps more platelets and red blood cells forming a clot and effectively sealing the wound.