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What distinguishes the mode of action of streptokinase from other fibrinolytic agents in clinical use?

  • A Streptokinase cleaves fibrin strands directly and immediately, rarely involving plasminogen in the process in typical laboratory settings
  • B Streptokinase forms a complex with plasminogen, inducing a conformational change that activates it to plasmin, which then lyses fibrin clots
  • C Streptokinase is clinically effective mainly on blood clots that are less than roughly one hour old under usual circumstances according to most researchers
  • D Streptokinase inhibits thrombin activity directly mainly to prevent the formation of new blood clots in the majority of cases studied as widely reported

Correct answer: B. Streptokinase forms a complex with plasminogen, inducing a conformational change that activates it to plasmin, which then lyses fibrin clots

Explanation: Unlike direct thrombolytics, streptokinase is an indirect thrombolytic - it forms a 1:1 complex with plasminogen, causing a conformational change that exposes the active site to generate plasmin, which then degrades fibrin in clots.

Concept context

Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers

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