Plasma Proteins and Functions Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of haptoglobin in plasma?

  • To transport free iron to tissues
  • To serve as a marker for liver inflammation
  • To transport bilirubin to the liver
  • To bind and preserve extracellular hemoglobin (correct)

How does the concentration of orosomucoid change in cases of cirrhosis of the liver?

  • It remains unchanged
  • It decreases significantly
  • It increases markedly (correct)
  • It fluctuates unpredictably

Which statement regarding alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is accurate?

  • AFP levels decrease during pregnancy
  • AFP serves as a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (correct)
  • Normal levels in adults are over 1µg/100ml
  • AFP is primarily found in adult plasma

What triggers an increase in haptoglobin levels in the plasma?

<p>Free hemoglobin accumulation after hemolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is orosomucoid concentration likely to decrease?

<p>Liver diseases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of transferrin in the circulatory system?

<p>To bind and transport iron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the Hb-Hp complex contributes to its function?

<p>It is too large to be filtered by the kidneys (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does ceruloplasmin play in relation to copper in the human body?

<p>It regulates copper levels in the plasma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of haptoglobin in the plasma?

<p>To bind free hemoglobin and facilitate its clearance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with decreased levels of ceruloplasmin?

<p>Wilson disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the rapid removal of the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex from plasma?

<p>The action of hepatocytes in removing complex from circulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of copper transport, what distinguishes ceruloplasmin from albumin?

<p>Ceruloplasmin binds copper tightly, making it less exchangeable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is primarily responsible for the inactivation of proteases in the plasma?

<p>Alpha-2-macroglobulin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate normal plasma concentration range of ceruloplasmin?

<p>30-50 mg/dL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily indicated by low haptoglobin levels?

<p>Intravascular hemolysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme activities are attributed to ceruloplasmin?

<p>Ferroxidase, copper oxidase, and histaminase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a rapid fall in haptoglobin levels suggest regarding a patient's condition?

<p>Hemolytic anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein carries the majority of copper present in circulation?

<p>Ceruloplasmin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of transferrin in the body?

<p>Transporting iron from the gut to various organs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does transferrin release iron into cells?

<p>Through receptor-mediated endocytosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total iron-binding capacity attributed to the concentration of transferrin in plasma?

<p>300 mg of iron per deciliter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following proteins is NOT classified as a β-globulin of clinical importance?

<p>Insulin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to transferrin receptor after iron dissociation in lysosomes?

<p>It is recycled back to the plasma membrane. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition would you expect to see increased transferrin levels?

<p>Iron deficiency anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is FALSE about C-reactive protein?

<p>It decreases during inflammatory conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of haemopexin?

<p>Binding hem from the breakdown of hemoglobin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about complement C1q is TRUE?

<p>It triggers the classical complement pathway upon binding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gamma globulins are primarily known for their role in which function?

<p>Providing antibody activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following conditions would you likely find decreased levels of transferrin?

<p>Hemochromatosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor reflects a clinical significance of C-reactive protein?

<p>Predictor of risk for coronary heart disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could a high level of haemopexin most likely indicate?

<p>Pregnancy or malignancies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does transferrin function in the body?

<p>It carries iron in the bloodstream. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a low level of C1q indicate in patients?

<p>Presence of Ag-Ab complexes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin is responsible for 75-80% of the osmotic pressure of human plasma due to its high molecular weight.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypoalbuminemia can lead to the retention of fluid in tissue spaces, resulting in edema.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin's ability to transport includes binding to bilirubin and certain steroid hormones.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A decrease in albumin levels does not affect calcium levels in the serum.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin has a higher buffering capacity compared to other plasma proteins because of its low concentration.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The normal serum level of transferrin in plasma is approximately 250 mg/dL.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transferrin can transport up to 3 moles of Fe3+ per mole of the protein.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

ApoTf is degraded within the lysosome after iron release.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concentration of transferrin can bind a total of 150 g of iron per deciliter in plasma.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transferrin receptors are present only on liver cells in the body.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deficiency of α1-antitrypsin leads to increased activity of elastase, resulting in lung tissue destruction.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Smoking has no impact on the function of α1-antitrypsin in the body.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The PIZZ phenotype of α1-antitrypsin produces excess amounts of functional protein, leading to lower risk of emphysema.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Polymers of mutant α1-antitrypsin form aggregates in the liver, contributing to cirrhosis.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Methionine residue 358 in α1-antitrypsin is crucial for its interaction with proteases.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

IgA is the main antibody in the secondary response and does not fix complement.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fibrinogen is synthesized in the muscles and constitutes approximately 8-10% of total plasma protein.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

IgE mediates immediate hypersensitivity and does not fix complement.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fibrinogen's highly negative charge is due to the presence of aspartic acid, which contributes to its solubility.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin primarily transports sodium ions, cholesterol, and various drugs in the bloodstream.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Plasma consists of water, electrolytes, metabolites, nutrients, proteins, and ______.

<p>hormones</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin is the major protein of human plasma, making up approximately ______% of the total plasma protein.

<p>60</p> Signup and view all the answers

The liver produces about ______ g of albumin per day.

<p>12</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mature human albumin consists of one polypeptide chain of ______ amino acids.

<p>585</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin migrates fastest in electrophoresis at ______ pH.

<p>alkaline</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin is responsible for 75-80% of the osmotic pressure of human plasma due to its low molecular weight and large ______.

<p>concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypoalbuminemia can lead to retention of fluid in tissue spaces, resulting in ______.

<p>edema</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin has the maximum buffering capacity among plasma proteins due to its high ______.

<p>concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

In conditions of hypoalbuminemia, calcium levels in serum may be ______.

<p>decreased</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albumin plays a predominant role in maintaining blood volume and body fluid ______.

<p>distribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Column chromatography was first demonstrated by ______ in 1906.

<p>TSWETT</p> Signup and view all the answers

In column chromatography, the phase that moves is referred to as the ______ phase.

<p>mobile</p> Signup and view all the answers

The stationary phase in column chromatography is also known as the ______.

<p>adsorbent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adsorbents require activation before use, which can be achieved by ______.

<p>heating</p> Signup and view all the answers

For efficient separation, the ratio of Adsorbate to Adsorbent should be ______ or ______.

<p>1:20, 1:30</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of removing the components from the column is known as ______.

<p>elution</p> Signup and view all the answers

In increasing order of polarity, the mobile phases include cyclohexane, carbondisulphide, and ______.

<p>ether</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adsorption chromatography is a surface phenomenon when the stationary phase is solid and the mobile phase is ______.

<p>liquid</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activated silica gel is classified as a ______ adsorbent.

<p>strong</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alumina requires activation at about ______ degrees Celsius.

<p>400</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of weak adsorbents compared to strong adsorbents?

<p>Weak adsorbents contain fewer components than strong adsorbents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adsorbents is classified as a strong adsorbent?

<p>Activated charcoal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of an adsorbate to adsorbent ratio of 1:30 in the separation process?

<p>It promotes efficient separation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimum temperature for activating alumina as an adsorbent?

<p>400°C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the process of activating adsorbents?

<p>Activation can result in the loss of water and other adsorbed materials. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mobile phases contribute to the separation process in chromatography?

<p>They are used to introduce the mixture and help elute pure components. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence represents the mobile phases in increasing order of polarity?

<p>Cyclohexane &lt; Ether &lt; Alcohols &lt; Acetone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does a strong adsorbent typically exhibit compared to a weak adsorbent?

<p>Higher adsorption capacity for solutes with closely related properties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if adsorbents are heated for too long during activation?

<p>There is a potential loss of adsorbent activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason compounds are separated in column chromatography?

<p>Relative affinities towards the stationary phase. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stationary phase is used in adsorption chromatography?

<p>Solid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the ideal properties of the stationary phase in column chromatography?

<p>Uniform size, high mechanical stability, and inertness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial focus of chromatography when first demonstrated by Tswett?

<p>Separation of colored substances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of column chromatography does the mobile phase remove solutes through a liquid-solid interaction?

<p>Adsorption chromatography (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines partition column chromatography?

<p>Separation based on solubility in liquid phases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the mobile phase in chromatography?

<p>It can be either liquid or gas based on the chromatography type. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect the efficiency of a chromatography column?

<p>Color of the stationary phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do components elute from the chromatography column?

<p>In sequence of their affinity towards the stationary phase. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chromatography is NOT categorized under column chromatography?

<p>Column slab chromatography (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Calcium carbonate is classified as a strong adsorbent.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The optimal activation temperature for activated silica gel is 200°C.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adsorbates and adsorbents should have a ratio of 1:10 for efficient separation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Longer column lengths are preferred for strong adsorbents.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cyclohexane has a higher polarity than chloroform in the context of mobile phases.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Column chromatography can be performed using either a solid stationary phase or a liquid stationary phase.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The principle of column chromatography is based on the separation of components due to their relative affinities toward the stationary phase.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adsorption chromatography exclusively uses a gas as the mobile phase.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ideal particle size for the stationary phase in column chromatography ranges from 60 to 200 nanometers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'eluate' refers to the process of removing components from the column.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hepatitis leading to cirrhosis

Hepatitis, a liver inflammation, can cause cirrhosis, a condition where collagen buildup creates scar tissue.

α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid)

A protein that is a marker of inflammation and transports progesterone, and carbohydrates to injured tissue.

α1-fetoprotein (AFP)

A protein found in high concentrations in fetal blood and increases during pregnancy, used as a tumor marker for liver cancer.

Haptoglobin (Hp)

A plasma protein that binds hemoglobin & prevents its loss in the kidney, conserving iron.

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Haptoglobin Function

Binds free hemoglobin to prevent its loss through the kidneys, thereby conserving iron.

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Hemoglobin-Haptoglobin Complex

The complex formed when haptoglobin binds hemoglobin & is too large to pass through the kidneys.

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Blood Transfusion and Haptoglobin

Large amounts of incompatible blood transfusions can overwhelm haptoglobin's capacity to bind hemoglobin, resulting in hemoglobin loss.

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α2-globulins

Important clinically, including haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin.

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Haptoglobin levels (inflammation)

Haptoglobin levels increase during inflammation.

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Haptoglobin levels (hemolytic anemia)

Haptoglobin levels decrease in hemolytic anemia.

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Ceruloplasmin composition

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing glycoprotein with enzyme activity.

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Ceruloplasmin function

Ceruloplasmin carries most of the copper in the plasma and has enzyme activity.

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Ceruloplasmin role (copper)

Ceruloplasmin tightly binds copper.

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Wilson disease

A disease associated with abnormal copper metabolism and low ceruloplasmin levels.

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α2-Macroglobulin (AMG)

A major plasma protein, synthesized in hepatocytes/macrophages responsible for inactivation of proteases

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α2-Macroglobulin (AMG) function

Inactivates proteases, an important in vivo anticoagulant.

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Ceruloplasmin synthesis

Ceruloplasmin synthesized in the liver as apo-ceruloplasmin then copper atoms attach to form ceruloplasmin

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Iron Deficiency Anemia

A condition where the protein transferrin is less saturated with iron.

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Hemochromatosis

A condition causing excess iron storage in the body.

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Transferrin Increased Levels

Higher levels are linked to iron deficiency anemia and late pregnancy.

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Transferrin Decreased Levels

Lower levels occur in protein malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, trauma, heart attack, and disease.

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C-reactive protein (CRP)

A protein that increases during inflammation; used to predict heart disease risk.

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Haemopexin Function

Binds heme (from hemoglobin breakdown) to prevent its loss.

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Haemopexin Low Levels

Low levels found in: hemolytic disorders, and drug-induced conditions.

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Complement C1q

First complement to bind to antibodies, starts the complement pathway.

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Complement C1q Decreased Levels

Lower levels may suggest circulating antibody-antigen complexes.

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Gamma Globulins

Immunoglobulins (antibodies) that play a crucial role in the immune system.

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Transferrin's Role

Transferrin is a β-globulin that transports iron in the blood to places where it's needed, like the bone marrow and other organs.

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Transferrin & Iron

Transferrin binds 2 iron ions (Fe3+) per molecule, carrying a significant amount of iron throughout the body.

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Transferrin Receptors

Cells have receptors on their surface that bind transferrin, allowing iron to be taken up by the cell through endocytosis.

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Iron Release from Transferrin

Inside a cell, the acidic environment of a lysosome causes iron to detach from transferrin.

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ApoTf Recycling

After releasing iron, the empty transferrin (ApoTf) returns to the plasma membrane, picks up more iron, and delivers it to other cells.

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What is Albumin's main function?

Albumin's primary function is to maintain the colloidal osmotic pressure of plasma, crucial for blood volume and fluid distribution. It makes up 75-80% of this pressure due to its small size and high concentration.

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What does Hypoalbuminemia cause?

Hypoalbuminemia, a deficiency in albumin, leads to fluid retention in tissues, resulting in edema.

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Albumin's Transport Role

Albumin acts as a transporter for various molecules like fatty acids, calcium, steroid hormones, bilirubin, and copper due to its ability to bind to them.

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Why is Albumin important for acid-base balance?

Albumin is a major buffer in the blood due to its high concentration and abundant histidine residues, contributing significantly to maintaining pH balance.

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What happens to bilirubin bound to albumin?

Bilirubin loosely bound to albumin can be easily displaced by drugs like aspirin. In newborns, this displacement by drugs can lead to bilirubin accumulation in the brain, causing Kernicterus.

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What causes emphysema in α1-antitrypsin deficiency?

The deficiency of α1-antitrypsin allows elastase, a protease released by macrophages, to break down lung tissue, leading to emphysema.

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How does smoking worsen emphysema in α1-antitrypsin deficiency?

Smoking inactivates α1-antitrypsin by oxidizing a crucial methionine residue, rendering it unable to neutralize elastase. This further accelerates lung tissue destruction.

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What happens to α1-antitrypsin in cirrhosis of the liver?

In individuals with the ZZ phenotype, mutant α1-antitrypsin molecules accumulate in the liver cells, forming aggregates that disrupt normal function.

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What is the primary mechanism of α1-antitrypsin aggregation in the liver?

The aggregation of α1-antitrypsin in cirrhosis is due to a specific interaction between a loop in one molecule and a pleated sheet in another molecule, leading to polymer formation.

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What is the role of α1-antitrypsin in the body?

α1-antitrypsin is a protein that protects the lungs from damage caused by proteases, enzymes that break down proteins.

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What is Transferrin?

Transferrin is a beta globulin protein that carries iron in the blood to where it is needed, like bone marrow and organs. It binds two iron ions per molecule.

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How does Transferrin deliver iron?

Transferrin binds to receptors on the surface of cells, allowing it to be taken into the cell through endocytosis. Inside a lysosome, the acidic environment causes the iron to detach from the protein.

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What happens to Transferrin after delivering iron?

The empty transferrin, called ApoTf, returns to the plasma membrane, gets more iron, and delivers it to other cells. This process repeats 10-20 times a day.

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How is Transferrin related to iron deficiency anemia?

Low levels of transferrin saturation (how much iron it's carrying) can indicate iron deficiency anemia.

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What is the clinical significance of Transferrin?

Transferrin levels in the blood can be used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia or other conditions, and it is used to measure the total iron-binding capacity of plasma.

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IgG's role

IgG is the main antibody in the secondary immune response, helping to fight infections, neutralize toxins, and protect the fetus.

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IgA's goal

IgA is the main antibody found in mucous membranes, preventing bacteria and viruses from entering the body.

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Fibrinogen's job

Fibrinogen is a blood protein that helps form blood clots, stopping bleeding and preventing excessive blood loss.

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What do transport proteins do?

Transport proteins play a crucial role in moving essential substances across cell membranes or in the bloodstream, ensuring their proper delivery to different parts of the body.

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Albumin's Main Job

Albumin's primary function is to maintain the osmotic pressure of plasma, which is essential for regulating blood volume and fluid distribution in the body.

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Hypoalbuminemia

Hypoalbuminemia is a condition where there's a deficiency of albumin in the blood, leading to fluid retention in tissues, causing swelling (edema).

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Albumin's Buffering Function

Albumin plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the blood due to its high concentration and abundant histidine residues, which act as buffers.

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Bilirubin and Albumin

Bilirubin, a breakdown product of heme, is loosely bound to albumin. However, drugs like aspirin can displace bilirubin from albumin, leading to potential problems, especially in newborns.

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Plasma Proteins: What are they?

Plasma proteins are a diverse group of molecules found in the liquid portion of blood (plasma). They play vital roles in maintaining blood volume, transporting substances, and fighting infections.

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Albumin: What's its big role?

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein. It's responsible for maintaining the correct pressure within blood vessels, preventing fluid leakage into tissues.

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Globulins: What's their main function?

Globulins are a diverse group of plasma proteins with various roles, including fighting infections (immunoglobulins) and transporting substances like lipids (lipoproteins).

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Electrophoresis: How is it used?

Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate plasma proteins based on their electrical charge and size. This method helps identify different protein groups and detect abnormalities.

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Clinical Significance: Why care about plasma protein levels?

Abnormal plasma protein levels can be a sign of various diseases, including liver problems, kidney disease, and infections. Doctors use these measurements to diagnose and monitor patients.

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Column Chromatography

A technique separating mixture components by continuously distributing them between a moving (mobile) phase and a stationary phase within a column.

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Adsorption Chromatography

A type of chromatography where the stationary phase is a solid (adsorbent) and the separation occurs based on the different affinities of the components for the solid surface.

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What is the mobile phase?

The mobile phase is the liquid or gas that moves through the column, carrying the sample components.

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What is the stationary phase?

The stationary phase is the immobile solid material packed in the column, interacting with the sample components based on their affinity.

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What is elution?

Elution is the process of removing the separated components from the column using the mobile phase.

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Adsorbent: Why does it need activation?

Adsorbents need activation by heating to remove water and other adsorbed materials. This process helps them adsorb molecules more efficiently.

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Weak Adsorbent

A weak adsorbent has lower affinity for different molecules and requires a longer column for separation.

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Strong Adsorbent

A strong adsorbent has high affinity for different molecules and requires a shorter column for separation.

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Mobile Phase: Eluant

The mobile phase, which is a solvent, is used to elute (remove) the pure component from the column.

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Mobile Phase: Polarity

Different mobile phases have varying polarities. This affects how strongly they interact with adsorbents and the order in which components elute.

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What is Adsorption Chromatography?

A type of chromatography where separation occurs based on different affinities of components for a solid stationary phase (adsorbent).

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What is an Adsorbent?

The solid material in adsorption chromatography that interacts with the sample components.

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Why activate the Adsorbent?

Heating the adsorbent removes water and other adsorbed materials, allowing it to bind more effectively to the sample components.

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What is the difference between weak and strong adsorbents?

Weak adsorbents have lower affinity for different molecules and require a longer column for separation, while strong adsorbents have high affinity and require a shorter column.

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What is the role of the mobile phase in chromatography?

The liquid or gas that moves through the column, carrying the sample components and eluting (removing) them.

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What determines the elution order in chromatography?

The elution order of components depends on their affinity for the stationary phase and the polarity of the mobile phase.

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What is the purpose of selecting the right mobile phase?

To elute the components in a desired order and to ensure effective separation.

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Why is the ratio Adsorbate:Adsorbent important?

The ratio affects the efficiency of separation. A ratio of 1:20 or 1:30 is considered optimal for efficient separation.

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What are some examples of adsorbents?

Common adsorbents include silica gel, alumina, activated charcoal, and Fuller's earth, each with varying strengths and affinities.

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Stationary Phase

The solid material packed inside the column that interacts with the mixture components. It is usually a solid adsorbent.

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Mobile Phase

The liquid or gas that flows through the column and carries the mixture components. It's also known as the eluent.

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Elution

The process of removing the separated components from the column using the mobile phase.

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What affects separation in column chromatography?

The interactions between the components and both the stationary and mobile phases determine the separation. The stronger the attraction to the stationary phase, the slower the component moves.

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What is the role of the mobile phase's polarity?

The polarity of the mobile phase (eluent) affects its ability to interact with the stationary phase and components. A similar polarity between the mobile phase and components leads to faster elution.

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Why activate adsorbents?

Adsorbents are activated by heating to remove water and other materials that might interfere with their adsorption properties.

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What is the difference between strong and weak adsorbents?

Strong adsorbents have a high affinity for the components and require a shorter column for separation, while weak adsorbents require a longer column due to their lower affinity.

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Study Notes

Plasma Proteins - Chemistry, Functions, and Clinical Significance

  • Plasma is composed of water, electrolytes, metabolites, nutrients, proteins, and hormones.
  • Total protein concentration in human plasma is approximately 6.0-8.0 g/dL, making up a major portion of plasma solids.
  • Plasma proteins are a complex mixture, including simple proteins and conjugated proteins (glycoproteins and lipoproteins).

Plasma Protein Components

  • Water makes up 90% of plasma.
  • Organic components (other than proteins) comprise 9%.
  • Albumin accounts for 7% of plasma.
  • Globulins make up 2.7% of plasma.
  • Fibrinogen comprises 0.3% of plasma.
  • Other organic components account for 2%.
  • Inorganic components make up 1% of plasma.

Separating Plasma Proteins

  • Salting-out methods: used to separate fibrinogen, albumin, and globulins by varying sodium or ammonium sulfate concentrations.
  • Electrophoresis: used to separate plasma proteins into five major fractions: albumin, α₁ and α₂ globulins, β globulins, and γ globulins

Albumin

  • Albumin (69 kDa) is the major plasma protein (3.4-4.7 g/dL).
  • It constitutes approximately 60% of total plasma protein.
  • 40% of albumin is in plasma, 60% is in the extracellular space.
  • Albumin has a half-life of about 20 days.
  • It migrates fastest in electrophoresis at alkaline pH and precipitates last in salting-out methods.
  • The liver produces approximately 12 g of albumin per day (25% of total hepatic protein synthesis).
  • Albumin is initially synthesized as a preproprotein.
  • Its signal peptide and a hexapeptide are removed during processing.
  • Mature albumin is a single polypeptide chain of 585 amino acids with 17 disulfide bonds.
  • It has an ellipsoidal shape, and its low molecular weight contributes to its function of maintaining osmotic pressure.

Albumin Functions

  • Colloidal osmotic pressure: responsible for 75-80% of plasma osmotic pressure and maintains blood volume and prevents fluid from leaking into tissue spaces (edema).
  • Transport: binds various ligands such as free fatty acids, calcium, certain steroid hormones, bilirubin, copper, and various drugs (e.g., sulfonamides, penicillin G).
  • Nutritive: serves as a source of amino acids for tissue protein synthesis, especially during nutritional deprivation.
  • Buffering: plays a key role in maintaining acid-base balance due to the presence of histidine residues.
  • Viscosity: exerts low viscosity.
  • Blood-brain barrier: prevents albumin-bound free fatty acids from crossing into the brain.

Albumin Clinical Significance

  • Hypoalbuminemia: low albumin levels can lead to fluid retention in tissue spaces (edema). This may arise from cirrhosis of the liver, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, burns, or malabsorption, among other factors.
  • Protein-bound calcium: in hypoalbuminemia, total calcium levels may drop, but ionic calcium remains unchanged.
  • Drug interactions: drugs with high affinity for albumin can compete for binding sites, displacing other drugs.
  • Newborns: in newborns, drugs can displace bilirubin from albumin, leading to bilirubin deposition in the brain (kernicterus).

Globulins

  • Separation: separated by half-saturation with ammonium sulfate.
  • Molecular weight: ranges from 90,000 to 1,300,000.
  • Electrophoresis separates globulins into α₁-, α₂-, β-, and γ-globulin fractions.

α-Globulins

  • Examples: α₁-antitrypsin, orosomucoid (α₁-acid glycoprotein), α₁-fetoprotein (AFP).
  • α₁-antitrypsin: a single-chain protein that inhibits trypsin, elastase, and other proteases.
  • Polymorphic forms: at least 75 polymorphic forms occur, with MM being the most common. A Z variant leads to emphysema and liver cirrhosis.
  • Smoking and emphysema: smoking oxidizes methionine in α₁-antitrypsin, reducing its proteolytic activity.

α₂-Globulins

  • Examples: haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, α₂-macroglobulins.
  • Haptoglobin: binds free hemoglobin in the blood.
  • Ceruloplasmin: copper-containing glycoprotein, carries most of the copper in blood plasma, and assists in copper transport.
  • α₂-macroglobulin: inactivates protease enzymes.

β-Globulins

  • Examples: transferrin, C-reactive protein, haemopexin, complement C1q, and lipoproteins (LDL).
  • Transferrin: iron transport protein.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP): acute-phase protein and a marker of inflammation.
  • Haemopexin: binds free heme.
  • Complement C1q: part of the complement system.

γ-Globulins

  • These are immunoglobulins (antibodies).
  • Their primary function is to mediate the body's immune response.

Additional Information

  • Acute phase proteins: exhibit increased levels in response to inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Negative acute phase proteins: show decreased levels in response to inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Abnormal proteins: such as Bence Jones proteins and cryoglobulins, can indicate various diseases.

Clinical Significance of Plasma Proteins

  • Hyperproteinemia: refers to abnormally high plasma protein levels. Causes include dehydration, excessive vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes insipidus, pyloric stenosis, diuresis, and intestinal obstruction.
  • Hypoproteinemia: abnormally low plasma protein levels. Causes include nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, severe liver diseases, malnutrition, extensive burns, pregnancy, and malignancy.
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia: abnormally high plasma gamma globulin levels. Polyclonal elevation may occur in chronic infections, chronic liver diseases, sarcoidosis, and autoimmune diseases. Monoclonal elevations can appear in multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, lymphosarcoma, and leukemia, or Hodgkin's disease.

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Test your knowledge on the functions and concentrations of various plasma proteins, including haptoglobin, orosomucoid, and transferrin. Understand the implications of these proteins in conditions like cirrhosis and their roles in the human body. This quiz will challenge your grasp of important physiological concepts.

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