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

7623 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the lock and key enzyme hypothesis


Explain the role of the pancreas in controlling blood glucose levels when they are too high.


How does myelination affect nerve impulse conduction velocity?


Describe how an enzyme increases the rate of a biochemical reaction?


We're here to help

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