JAMB 2018 Biology · Question 4

The yellowish colored liquid component of blood that normally holds the blood cells in suspension is

Options

  1. A.serum
  2. B.plasma
  3. C.water
  4. D.thrombocyte

Answer: B. plasma

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the yellowish liquid part of blood that holds the blood cells in suspension.

Step 2: Explain the concept Blood has two main parts:

  • Cellular part (about 45%): red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (thrombocytes).
  • Liquid part (about 55%): plasma, a straw-yellow fluid made up of about 90% water. It also carries dissolved proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen), salts, glucose, hormones, and waste products like urea.

Step 3: Go through the options

  • A. Serum: This is plasma with the clotting factors (such as fibrinogen) removed. It is what remains after blood clots. It does not normally hold the cells in suspension in circulating blood.
  • B. Plasma: This is the yellowish liquid in which blood cells are suspended. It fits the description.
  • C. Water: Water is the main constituent of plasma, but it is not the whole component and it is not yellowish.
  • D. Thrombocyte: This is another name for platelets, which are cells that help in clotting. It is not a liquid.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. plasma.

Tip: Remember Plasma = Portion that holds cells in suspension, while Serum = Sans (without) clotting factors. If a question mentions "after clotting," think serum. If it mentions "holds the cells in suspension," think plasma.

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