Question

Which of the following characteristics is correct for glomerular filtrate, the fluid that passes from the blood in the glomerulus and into the tubule of the nephron?

• A. It is clear in appearance and contains no glucose.
• B. It is concentrated solution of waste products.
• C. It is identical to blood plasma.
• D. It is blood plasma that lacks most proteins.

Answer 1

The correct option is D It is blood plasma that lacks most proteins.

Blood plasma contains large molecules and proteins that are not present in glomerular filtrate. Blood plasma is filtered through the glomerulus. The glomerulus is a structure in the kidney that filters blood plasma to make urine. Slit pores and small holes present in the glomerular membrane allows smaller sized molecules to pass through, but larger molecules are unable to pass through. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate as well as magnesium are present in the glomerular filtrate. Nutrients and nitrogenous wastes also can pass through the glomerular filtrate. Small hormones and water can also pass through the membrane. Blood cells and plasma proteins are unable to pass through the glomerular membrane and are not found in glomerular filtrate.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.