While the provided reference lists some functions of albumin, it only explicitly details four. Based on the reference, combined with a common understanding of albumin's roles, here's a breakdown of albumin's key functions, attempting to provide five distinct functions:
Albumin, a protein found in blood, has several critical functions within the body. The reference indicates a few of these, and we expand to provide a comprehensive list. A normal albumin level for adults, measured by an albumin blood test, falls between 3.5-5.5 g/dL.
Key Functions of Albumin
Here's a breakdown of five important functions:
- Stabilizing Extracellular Fluid: Albumin contributes significantly to maintaining osmotic pressure. This pressure helps keep fluid within the blood vessels and prevents it from leaking into tissues.
- Transportation of Hormones: Albumin acts as a carrier protein, specifically mentioned in the provided reference to include transporting progesterone, a steroid hormone.
- Transportation of Minerals: As stated in the reference, Albumin transports calcium.
- Binding of Molecules: Albumin binds to a wide variety of molecules, as indicated in the reference, facilitating their transport and distribution throughout the body. These molecules can include fatty acids, bilirubin, certain drugs, and other important substances. This binding capability is crucial for regulating the availability and activity of these molecules.
- Buffer: Albumin functions as a blood buffer and thus contributes to maintaining stable pH levels in blood.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Stabilizing Extracellular Fluid | Maintains osmotic pressure, preventing fluid leakage from blood vessels. |
| Transportation of Hormones | Carries hormones like progesterone. |
| Transportation of Minerals | Transports calcium. |
| Binding of Molecules | Binds to fatty acids, bilirubin, drugs, and other substances, regulating their distribution. |
| Buffer | Functions as a blood buffer and thus contributes to maintaining stable pH levels in blood. |
