Heme metabolism: bilirubin: 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.

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Biochemistry · Heme metabolism: bilirubin

Sample item

Unconjugated bilirubin is carried in plasma mainly bound to which protein?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Albumin

Unconjugated bilirubin is lipid soluble and circulates bound to albumin before hepatic uptake and conjugation. Conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and can be excreted in bile and urine.

Option by option

  • A. Transferrin

    Transferrin transports iron.

  • B. Albumin (correct)

    Correct. Albumin transports unconjugated bilirubin.

  • C. Ceruloplasmin

    Ceruloplasmin transports copper.

  • D. Haptoglobin

    Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin.

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 B, Albumin. Unconjugated bilirubin is lipid soluble and circulates bound to albumin before hepatic uptake and conjugation.

Why is "Transferrin" not the answer?

Transferrin transports iron.

Why is "Ceruloplasmin" not the answer?

Ceruloplasmin transports copper.

Why is "Haptoglobin" not the answer?

Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Heme metabolism: bilirubin in Biochemistry. Conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and can be excreted in bile and urine.

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 Heme metabolism: bilirubin?

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.