Question

Lymph contains ...........proteins than plasma.
A. Less
B. More
C. Equal
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Lymph contains proteins that are larger in size and plasma. Lymphatic filtration taking place in them is done on the basis of molecular size. Greater the size less the number and vice- versa. Hydrostatic pressure present in capillaries pushes the substance out of the cell such as plasma.

Complete answer:
As the blood passes through the capillaries in tissues, some water along with many small water soluble substances move out into the spaces between the cells or tissues leaving the larger proteins and most of the form elements in the blood vessels. This fluid released out is called the interstitial fluid or tissue fluid. It has the same mineral distribution as that in plasma. An elaborate network of vessels called the lymphatic system collects this fluid and drains it back to the major veins. The fluid present in the lymphatic system is called lymph.
Lymph is colourless fluid containing specialized lymphocytes which are responsible for the immune responses of the body. Lymph is also an important carrier for nutrients, hormones, etc. Fats are absorbed through lymph in the lacteals present in the intestinal villi.
The lymphatic system returns all the excess interstitial fluid to the blood which is approx 90 per cent. The remaining 10 per cent which do not return surrounds the tissue cells. It helps in exchange of gases, nutrients and also helps in removal of metabolic wastes. It is devoid of RBC and contains fewer proteins than plasma. Lymph contains relatively less of the larger proteins compared to plasma suggesting that molecular size is important in lymph filtration.

So, the correct answer is option A, Less.

Note-
Lymph is derived in the interstitial fluid so its composition changes regularly. This happens because the blood and the cells surrounding exchange substances with the interstitial fluid which is similar to blood plasma. They also help in transportation of fats to the blood via chylomicrons.