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Multiple Choice
Which plasma protein is responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure in the blood?
A
Albumin
B
Globulin
C
Fibrinogen
D
Hemoglobin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of osmotic pressure: Osmotic pressure is the force exerted by solutes in a solution, drawing water across a semipermeable membrane. In the blood, it helps maintain fluid balance between blood vessels and surrounding tissues.
Identify the role of plasma proteins: Plasma proteins are crucial in maintaining osmotic pressure. They include albumin, globulin, fibrinogen, and hemoglobin, each serving different functions in the blood.
Focus on albumin: Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and plays a key role in maintaining osmotic pressure due to its high concentration and ability to bind water molecules.
Compare with other proteins: Globulin is involved in immune functions, fibrinogen is essential for blood clotting, and hemoglobin is responsible for oxygen transport. These proteins do not primarily maintain osmotic pressure.
Conclude the importance of albumin: Given its abundance and function, albumin is the primary plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure in the blood.