Plasma proteins: alpha-1 antitrypsin: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Biochemistry · Plasma proteins: alpha-1 antitrypsin

Sample item

A young non-smoker has panacinar emphysema predominantly in the lower lobes. Deficiency of which protease inhibitor is likely?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Alpha-1 antitrypsin

Alpha-1 antitrypsin neutralises neutrophil elastase. Its deficiency permits elastase-mediated alveolar destruction and can also cause liver disease from misfolded protein accumulation.

Option by option

  • A. Ceruloplasmin

    Ceruloplasmin transports copper and is low in Wilson disease.

  • B. Transferrin

    Transferrin transports iron.

  • C. Haptoglobin

    Haptoglobin binds free haemoglobin in plasma.

  • D. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (correct)

    Correct. Loss of elastase inhibition causes panacinar emphysema.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Biochemistry questions

Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is D, Alpha-1 antitrypsin. Alpha-1 antitrypsin neutralises neutrophil elastase.

Why is "Ceruloplasmin" not the answer?

Ceruloplasmin transports copper and is low in Wilson disease.

Why is "Transferrin" not the answer?

Transferrin transports iron.

Why is "Haptoglobin" not the answer?

Haptoglobin binds free haemoglobin in plasma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Plasma proteins: alpha-1 antitrypsin in Biochemistry. Its deficiency permits elastase-mediated alveolar destruction and can also cause liver disease from misfolded protein accumulation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Plasma proteins: alpha-1 antitrypsin?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.