Which statement best describes the role of plasmin in hemostasis?

Which statement best describes the role of plasmin in hemostasis?

• A. Plasmin degrades fibrin clots
• B. Plasmin promotes clot formation by crosslinking fibrin
• C. Plasmin activates platelets
• D. Plasmin converts prothrombin to thrombin

Answer: (A)

Plasmin’s main function is to dissolve clots by breaking down the fibrin mesh that stabilizes a formed thrombus. It is produced from plasminogen by activators such as tissue plasminogen activator, and its activity is tightly regulated to prevent excessive bleeding. By proteolytically cleaving fibrin, plasmin dissolves the clot and helps restore normal blood flow. It does not promote clot formation, does not activate platelets, and does not convert prothrombin to thrombin. So the statement that best describes plasmin’s role is that it degrades fibrin clots.

Plasmin’s main function is to dissolve clots by breaking down the fibrin mesh that stabilizes a formed thrombus. It is produced from plasminogen by activators such as tissue plasminogen activator, and its activity is tightly regulated to prevent excessive bleeding. By proteolytically cleaving fibrin, plasmin dissolves the clot and helps restore normal blood flow. It does not promote clot formation, does not activate platelets, and does not convert prothrombin to thrombin. So the statement that best describes plasmin’s role is that it degrades fibrin clots.