Prothrombin (Noun)
Meaning
A protein in blood plasma that is the inactive precursor of thrombin.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein that plays a crucial role in the coagulation cascade, ultimately leading to the formation of blood clots.
- The conversion of prothrombin to thrombin is catalyzed by the enzyme prothrombinase, which is composed of several coagulation factors.
- In individuals with a deficiency of vitamin K, the production of prothrombin is severely impaired, leading to coagulopathy and an increased risk of bleeding.
- Prothrombin is primarily synthesized in the liver and then secreted into the bloodstream as an inactive zymogen, awaiting activation by the coagulation cascade.
- The prothrombin time test, also known as PT, is a widely used laboratory test to evaluate the coagulation status of patients, particularly those taking oral anticoagulants.