Question
What is blood serum?
O Formed elements and plasma
Blood plasma minus the clotting proteins
Blood plasma minus vitamin K
Erythrocytes and leukocytes
O Formed elements and plasma
Blood plasma minus the clotting proteins
Blood plasma minus vitamin K
Erythrocytes and leukocytes
Ask by Reyes Wright. in the United States
Mar 30,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Blood serum is blood plasma without the clotting proteins.
Solution
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Definition of Blood Plasma and Serum
- Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains water, salts, enzymes, hormones, clotting factors, and other proteins.
- Blood serum is obtained after the blood has clotted. During clotting, clotting proteins (e.g., fibrinogen) are consumed, so the resulting serum is essentially blood plasma without these clotting proteins.
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Elimination of Incorrect Options
- Formed elements and plasma: This option incorrectly combines both the cells (formed elements) and plasma, whereas serum is solely the liquid portion.
- Blood plasma minus vitamin K: Vitamin K is not a primary component removed during clotting; it is rather a vitamin important for the synthesis of clotting factors.
- Erythrocytes and leukocytes: These are the red and white blood cells, which are not present in serum.
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Correct AnswerSince blood serum is what remains when blood clotting occurs (removing the clotting proteins), the correct description is:
Thus, the answer is: Blood plasma minus the clotting proteins.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Mind Expander
Blood serum is basically the liquid gold that remains after blood has clotted and all the clotting factors are removed, leaving you with a clear yellowish fluid rich in antibodies and nutrients. It plays a key role in diagnostics and research, helping scientists understand health issues and test for various diseases, including infections and autoimmune disorders.
In real-world applications, serum is often utilized in medical tests known as serology, which helps determine immune responses to vaccines or infections. So, next time you hear about a blood test, remember that serum is the star of the show, offering a window into our immune system and overall health without the mess of cells!
