Final answer:
Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in the plasma, synthesized in the liver. It constitutes about half of the serum protein and functions as a transporter of hormones and fatty acids, contributes to maintaining osmotic pressure, and helps in buffering pH levels with normal levels of 3.5-5.0 g/dL.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma, synthesized in the liver. It plays a critical role by maintaining osmotic pressure, buffering pH, and carrying various substances including hormones and fatty acids through the bloodstream. Albumin accounts for about half of the blood serum protein, with typical clinical levels ranging from 3.5-5.0 g/dL of blood. It is also significant for its binding capabilities, transport of hydrophobic molecules, and contribution to the albumin/globulin ratio, important indicators in clinical diagnostics.
As part of the plasma proteins, which make up about 7% of the plasma's volume, albumin is notable for its capacity to bind to various biological molecules. This includes facilitating the transport of lipids, which are otherwise hydrophobic, making them soluble and capable of being moved within the aqueous environment of the bloodstream. The normal proportion of albumin in the plasma protein content is approximately 54%, highlighting its abundance relative to other proteins like globulins.