Which molecule is the primary plasminogen activator?

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Multiple Choice

Which molecule is the primary plasminogen activator?

Activating plasminogen to form plasmin is the key step in fibrinolysis. The primary physiologic activator is tissue-type plasminogen activator, produced by endothelial cells and drawn to a clot where it binds fibrin and converts plasminogen to plasmin. This localized generation of plasmin on the clot surface promotes targeted breakdown of fibrin and clot dissolution without widespread proteolysis. Plasmin itself is the active enzyme that degrades fibrin. Alpha-2 antiplasmin inhibits plasmin to prevent excessive breakdown, and antithrombin dampens coagulation by inhibiting thrombin and other proteases. A secondary activator exists (urokinase-type), but tissue-type plasminogen activator is the primary one responsible for physiologic clot breakdown.

Activating plasminogen to form plasmin is the key step in fibrinolysis. The primary physiologic activator is tissue-type plasminogen activator, produced by endothelial cells and drawn to a clot where it binds fibrin and converts plasminogen to plasmin. This localized generation of plasmin on the clot surface promotes targeted breakdown of fibrin and clot dissolution without widespread proteolysis.

Plasmin itself is the active enzyme that degrades fibrin. Alpha-2 antiplasmin inhibits plasmin to prevent excessive breakdown, and antithrombin dampens coagulation by inhibiting thrombin and other proteases. A secondary activator exists (urokinase-type), but tissue-type plasminogen activator is the primary one responsible for physiologic clot breakdown.

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