Proteins Flashcards
What percentage of plasma is made up of plasma proteins?
About 7%
Why are plasma proteins normally retained within the blood?
They are too big to escape through the capillary pores into the tissues.
What is the main function of plasma proteins?
Creating the osmotic pressure of blood.
What happens if plasma protein levels fall?
Osmotic pressure is reduced, and fluid moves into the tissues (oedema) and body cavities.
What is plasma viscosity primarily due to?
Plasma proteins, mainly albumin and fibrinogen.
Where are plasma proteins, except for immunoglobulins, formed?
In the liver.
What is the most abundant plasma protein?
Albumin.
What percentage of total plasma proteins do albumins comprise?
About 60%.
What are the main functions of albumins?
- Maintain normal plasma osmotic pressure
- Act as carrier molecules for free fatty acids, some drugs, and steroid hormones.
What are the main functions of globulins?
- Antibodies (immunoglobulins) for immunity
- Transportation of some hormones and mineral salts
- Inhibition of some proteolytic enzymes.
What role do immunoglobulins play in the body?
They bind to and neutralize foreign materials (antigens).
What is the most abundant clotting factor in plasma?
Fibrinogen.
What is serum?
Plasma from which clotting factors have been removed.
What are some functions of electrolytes?
- Muscle contraction
- Transmission of nerve impulses
- Maintenance of acid–base balance.
What is the normal pH range of blood?
Between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline).
