Answer
The three major classes of plasma proteins are:
1. **Albumins**: Albumins are the most abundant plasma proteins, constituting about 60% of total plasma protein content. They are responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting various substances, including hormones, fatty acids, and drugs, throughout the body.
2. **Globulins**: Globulins make up about 35% of total plasma proteins. They are further subdivided into alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Alpha and beta globulins are involved in transporting lipids, metal ions, and fat-soluble vitamins. Gamma globulins, also known as immunoglobulins or antibodies, play a crucial role in the immune response, helping to defend against infections.
3. **Fibrinogen**: Fibrinogen constitutes around 4% of total plasma proteins. It is a critical component of the blood clotting cascade. When activated, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms a mesh-like structure to stabilize blood clots.
The plasma proteins present in blood serum are albumins and globulins. Fibrinogen is absent from blood serum. When blood is allowed to clot, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which is involved in forming the clot. In the process of clot formation, fibrinogen is removed from the serum, leaving behind fibrin. As a result, blood serum does not contain fibrinogen.
Work Step by Step
The three major classes of plasma proteins are:
1. **Albumins**: Albumins are the most abundant plasma proteins, constituting about 60% of total plasma protein content. They are responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting various substances, including hormones, fatty acids, and drugs, throughout the body.
2. **Globulins**: Globulins make up about 35% of total plasma proteins. They are further subdivided into alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Alpha and beta globulins are involved in transporting lipids, metal ions, and fat-soluble vitamins. Gamma globulins, also known as immunoglobulins or antibodies, play a crucial role in the immune response, helping to defend against infections.
3. **Fibrinogen**: Fibrinogen constitutes around 4% of total plasma proteins. It is a critical component of the blood clotting cascade. When activated, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms a mesh-like structure to stabilize blood clots.
The plasma proteins present in blood serum are albumins and globulins. Fibrinogen is absent from blood serum. When blood is allowed to clot, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which is involved in forming the clot. In the process of clot formation, fibrinogen is removed from the serum, leaving behind fibrin. As a result, blood serum does not contain fibrinogen.
