Conversion of Fibrinogen | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Conversion of Fibrinogen: Extended

• Platelets: Platelets are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and scab formation when the skin is cut or punctured.
• Preventing Blood Loss: Blood clotting is essential to prevent ongoing or significant blood loss from wounds.
• Scab Formation: The formation of a scab creates an insoluble barrier that seals the wound, preventing the entry of microorganisms that could cause infections.
• Healing Process: The scab stays in place until new skin has regenerated underneath, effectively resealing the skin.

How the blood clots

Process of Blood Clotting

• When there is a wound, platelets rush to the site to stop bleeding.
• A sequence of reactions takes place within the blood plasma.
• Platelets release chemicals that transform soluble fibrinogen proteins into insoluble fibrin, creating a mesh that traps red blood cells, forming a clot.
• Over time, the clot dries out and forms a scab, protecting the wound from bacterial invasion.

Key Concepts

• Soluble Fibrinogen Proteins: These proteins are converted into insoluble fibrin during the clotting process.
• Insoluble Fibrin: Forms a mesh that helps in clot formation.
• Insoluble Mesh: The network formed by fibrin, trapping blood cells to form a clot.
• Scab Formation: The dried clot that shields the wound from infections.