MCAT Biology Question 135: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 135
15. Which of the following is likely to be seen in a patient with liver failure?
- A. High concentrations of urea in the blood
- B. High concentrations of albumin in the blood
- C. Low concentrations of ammonia in the blood
- D. Low concentrations of clotting factors in the blood
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The liver serves many functions, including metabolic processes (glycogenesis and glycogenolysis, fat storage, and gluconeogenesis), detoxification or activation of medications, and synthesis of bile. Germane to this question are the roles of converting ammonia into urea through the urea cycle and synthesis of proteins, including albumin and clotting factors. A patient with liver failure would thus not be able to convert ammonia into urea and would have high concentrations of ammonia and low concentrations of urea in the blood, eliminating choices (A) and (C). With decreased synthetic activity, both albumin and clotting factor concentrations would be low, eliminating choice (B) and making choice (D) the correct answer.