Prothrombinase
Prothrombinase
Prothrombinase (/proʊˈθrɒmbɪneɪz/), also known as Factor Xa-Va complex, is an enzyme complex that converts prothrombin into thrombin in the coagulation cascade.
Etymology
The term "prothrombinase" is derived from "prothrombin", the protein it acts upon, and "-ase", a suffix used in biochemistry to denote an enzyme. "Prothrombin" itself is derived from the Greek words "pro" (meaning "before") and "thrombos" (meaning "clot").
Function
Prothrombinase is a complex of the protease Factor Xa and the cofactor Factor Va. It is formed on the surface of activated platelets and endothelial cells. The main function of prothrombinase is to convert prothrombin, a plasma protein produced by the liver, into thrombin. Thrombin then acts to convert fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms the basis of a blood clot.
Related Terms
- Coagulation cascade: The sequence of biochemical reactions that stop bleeding by forming a clot.
- Factor Xa: A protease that forms part of the prothrombinase complex.
- Factor Va: A cofactor that forms part of the prothrombinase complex.
- Prothrombin: A protein that is converted into thrombin by prothrombinase.
- Thrombin: An enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin, leading to clot formation.
- Fibrinogen: A protein that is converted into fibrin by thrombin.
- Fibrin: A protein that forms the basis of a blood clot.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prothrombinase
- Wikipedia's article - Prothrombinase
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