During the coagulation phase of hemostasis, which molecule is produced to stabilize the blood clot?

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Multiple Choice

During the coagulation phase of hemostasis, which molecule is produced to stabilize the blood clot?

The stabilizing part of a formed clot is fibrin. In coagulation, thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin strands, which then weave into a mesh that traps platelets and red blood cells. Factor XIIIa cross-links these fibrin strands, strengthening and stabilizing the clot so it can withstand blood flow while healing occurs. Platelets help form the initial plug but aren’t the stabilizing scaffold themselves. Calcium is a crucial cofactor for many steps in the cascade, but it isn’t the molecule that stabilizes the clot, and Vitamin C isn’t involved in coagulation.

The stabilizing part of a formed clot is fibrin. In coagulation, thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin strands, which then weave into a mesh that traps platelets and red blood cells. Factor XIIIa cross-links these fibrin strands, strengthening and stabilizing the clot so it can withstand blood flow while healing occurs. Platelets help form the initial plug but aren’t the stabilizing scaffold themselves. Calcium is a crucial cofactor for many steps in the cascade, but it isn’t the molecule that stabilizes the clot, and Vitamin C isn’t involved in coagulation.

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