Question

Which blood protein plays a major role in osmotic balance?
A. Albumin
B. Globulin
C. Fibrinogen
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Proteins are the biomolecules that consist of amino acids. Amino acids are linked together to form the protein molecules. Proteins are the macromolecules that are essential for the various functions of life.

Complete Answer:
- Serum albumin is a protein that plays a major role in osmotic balance. Serum albumin is also called simply blood albumin.
- It is a type of globular protein which is found in the blood of the vertebrates. Human serum albumin is encoded by the ALB gene.
- Serum albumin is produced by the liver. It gets dissolved in the blood plasma after its production. It is the most abundant protein in mammals.
- Albumin is essential for maintaining the osmotic pressure which is needed for the proper distribution of body fluids between the blood vessels and body tissues.
- If there is no albumin present then the high pressure in the blood vessels would force more fluids out in the tissues. Too much or too little quantity of serum protein is harmful.
- In any organism excrete the albumin with the urine then it represents the kidney disorder.

Additional information:
1. Globulin – Globulin is a protein that is found in the blood. Globulin is made in the liver by the immune system. Globulins play a major role in blood clotting, liver functions and fighting infections.
2. Fibrinogen – Fibrinogen is a glycoprotein complex which is made in the liver. It gets circulated in the blood of the vertebrates. It is a blood clotting factor that helps in coagulation of blood.

Hence, option A is the correct option for this question.

Note: Albumin functions primarily as a carrier protein for steroid, fatty acids and thyroid hormones. It also plays a major role in stabilizing the extracellular fluid volume by contributing the osmotic pressure of plasma. The organisms that function at a lower blood pressure, they need less osmotic pressure and less albumin protein.