Albumin (a globular protein) is a solute found in blood plasma. In liver disease, people cannot produce sufficient amounts of albumin. Describe and explain how this change would affect red blood cells.

The solute potential of the blood plasma would be less negative or higher. Higher solute potential = higher water potential. 

Water moves via osmosis from areas of high water potential to low water potential.

In patients with less albumin in their blood plasma, red blood dells would absorb more water and may burst. This is due to the cytoplasm within the red blood cells having a lower (more negative) water potential than the plasma.

Answered by Caolan D. Biology tutor

7447 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the two types of nucleotide bases which make up DNA, and which bases bond with one another? What is the difference with these bases in RNA?


Describe the structure and bonding that contributes to a functional protein.


What is the difference between an allele and a gene?


How does allopatric speciation work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences