Question

Thrombokinase is produced in
(a) RBC
(b) WBC
(c) Blood vessels
(d) Blood clotting

Answer 1

Thrombokinase is an enzyme that works in conjunction with platelets. It is used for activating another enzyme that is responsible for a process in the body. Hence, it is produced in a process where platelets are specifically required.

Complete step by step answer:
- Thrombokinase is an enzyme present in blood platelets and it converts prothrombin into thrombin. The enzyme aids in the process of blood clotting.
- When a blood vessel is injured, it releases thrombokinase. This along with various factors released by the platelets convert prothrombin to thrombin, which are the inactive and active forms of the enzyme respectively.
- Thrombin converts fibrinogen, a plasma protein, into fibrin, an insoluble protein in the form of insoluble fibers. These fibers form a mesh network, trapping the RBCs and preventing their loss from the site of injury. This ultimately forms a blood clot and remains until the injury is healed.

Additional information:
- Thrombokinase is also known as thromboplastin.
- RBCs are red blood cells, and they are responsible for the transport of oxygen in the body.
- WBCs are white blood cells, and they are a part of the body’s immune system.
- Blood vessels do not produce thrombokinase when they do not face any injury.
So, the correct answer is ‘(d) Blood Clotting’.

Note:
- Failure of any steps in blood clotting leads to hemorrhage or excessive bleeding that can lead to death.
- Substances that oppose the formation of a blood clot are known as anticoagulants and are consumed to dissolve blood clots and in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks in susceptible patients.
- Examples of anticoagulants in the body are antithrombin and heparin.