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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of sodium hydroxide in the Biuret method?
What is the term for the proteins present in the blood?
What is the consequence of malnutrition and/or malabsorption on protein levels?
What is the purpose of the Biuret method?
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What is the number of different proteins present in plasma?
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What is the normal range of total proteins in the blood?
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What is the term for the increase in protein levels due to dehydration?
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What is the molecular weight of albumin?
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What is the site of synthesis for γ – globulins?
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What is the name of the method used to determine total protein levels?
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What is the function of albumin in the blood?
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What is the color of the Biuret reagent in the presence of proteins?
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What is the percentage of albumin in total plasma proteins?
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What is the purpose of globulins in the blood?
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What is the normal range of globulin in the blood?
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What is the wavelength at which the absorption of the colored complex is measured?
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Study Notes
Proteins in Plasma
- Proteins are biologically important compounds composed of α-amino acids and are major constituents of cells.
- Plasma proteins are synthesized mainly by the liver, except for γ-globulins, which are synthesized by plasma cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
- There are over 300 different proteins in plasma, which are heterogenous in nature and involved in many functions in the body.
Clinical Significance of Plasma Proteins
- Hypoproteinemia can be caused by malnutrition, malabsorption, excessive loss, bleeding, burns, liver disease, and excessive catabolism.
- Hyperproteinemia can be caused by dehydration, monoclonal increases, multiple myeloma, and disorders affecting albumin and immunoglobulins.
The Biuret Method for Protein Measurement
- The Biuret reagent is made of NaOH, CuSO4, and KNaC4H4O6, which turns violet in the presence of proteins.
- The principle of the Biuret method is that peptide bonds of proteins react with tartrate-complexed cupric ions in alkaline solutions to form a colored product.
- The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the protein concentration and can be determined spectrophotometrically at 540 nm.
Normal Ranges of Plasma Proteins
- Total proteins: 6.3 to 8.0 g/dL
- Albumin: 3.5 to 5 g/dL
- Globulin: 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL
Albumin
- Albumin is the most abundant circulating plasma protein (40-60% of the total).
- It plays important roles in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, transporting ions, acids, and hormones, and is a globular protein with a molecular weight of approximately 66,000 D.
- Albumin is unique among major plasma proteins in containing no carbohydrate and has a relatively low content of tryptophan.
Globulin
- Globulin proteins are synthesized by the immune system and liver.
- About 40% of the proteins in blood are alpha, beta, and gamma globulins.
- Globulins are necessary for fighting off viruses and infections, forming blood clots, and keeping the liver and kidneys functioning.
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Description
This quiz covers the importance of proteins in living bodies, their composition, and the role of liver in synthesizing plasma proteins. It also discusses the determination of serum total protein, albumin, and globulin.
