Which statement best describes water in blood?

Which statement best describes water in blood?

• A. Water is unnecessary for plasma function.
• B. Water is mainly a source of energy for blood cells.
• C. Water carries hormones alone.
• D. Water acts as a solvent, suspends formed elements, and dissolves proteins and solutes.

Answer: (D)

Water in blood functions as the solvent and medium that makes plasma work. It is the major portion of plasma and dissolves and transports a wide range of substances, including electrolytes, nutrients, gases, and hormones, enabling their movement to where they’re needed. This watery environment also suspends the formed elements—the red and white blood cells and platelets—so they can circulate rather than settle out. Water supports the dissolved proteins in plasma, such as albumin, fibrinogen, and the globulins, which are essential for maintaining osmotic balance, enabling coagulation, and supporting immune functions. It’s also key for maintaining blood volume and proper pressures that drive circulation. Energy for blood cells comes from nutrients they metabolize, not from water itself, and water carries more than just hormones since a broad mix of solutes relies on it for transport. So the statement that best describes water’s role is that it acts as a solvent, suspends formed elements, and dissolves proteins and solutes.

Water in blood functions as the solvent and medium that makes plasma work. It is the major portion of plasma and dissolves and transports a wide range of substances, including electrolytes, nutrients, gases, and hormones, enabling their movement to where they’re needed. This watery environment also suspends the formed elements—the red and white blood cells and platelets—so they can circulate rather than settle out. Water supports the dissolved proteins in plasma, such as albumin, fibrinogen, and the globulins, which are essential for maintaining osmotic balance, enabling coagulation, and supporting immune functions. It’s also key for maintaining blood volume and proper pressures that drive circulation. Energy for blood cells comes from nutrients they metabolize, not from water itself, and water carries more than just hormones since a broad mix of solutes relies on it for transport. So the statement that best describes water’s role is that it acts as a solvent, suspends formed elements, and dissolves proteins and solutes.