Question

the disease kwashiorkor is caused by a diet which is very low in protein. the concentration of proteins in blood plasma is much lower than usual. one of the symptoms of kwashiorkor is swelling caused by build-up of tissue fluid. suggest why this is so.

Answer 1

The low concentration of proteins in the blood plasma causes a decrease in the osmotic pressure of the blood. This decrease in osmotic pressure causes water to move from the blood into the tissues, leading to an accumulation of tissue fluid and swelling.

Answer 2

Proteins play a crucial role in regulating the distribution of water in the body. Specifically, proteins in the blood plasma help to maintain the balance of fluids between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues by creating a pressure gradient that keeps fluids from leaking out of the vessels. When the concentration of proteins in the blood plasma is much lower than usual, as is the case in individuals with kwashiorkor, this pressure gradient is disrupted, and fluids begin to leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the surrounding tissues. This can result in swelling, or edema, in various parts of the body, including the feet, legs, and belly.