D-dimer is a type of protein produced by what?

D-dimer is a type of protein produced by what?

• A. White blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. Fibrinogen
• D. Blood clots

Answer: (D)

D-dimer is a fragment that comes from the breakdown of cross-linked fibrin in a blood clot. When a clot forms, fibrin threads created a mesh, and as the body dissolves that clot (fibrinolysis), plasmin cleaves the cross-linked fibrin to release fragments like D-dimer. So the presence of D-dimer in the blood signals that a clot has formed and is being degraded. It’s not produced by white blood cells, platelets, or fibrinogen—those are involved in clotting or are precursors, but the D-dimer itself arises from the breakdown of the clot’s fibrin.

D-dimer is a fragment that comes from the breakdown of cross-linked fibrin in a blood clot. When a clot forms, fibrin threads created a mesh, and as the body dissolves that clot (fibrinolysis), plasmin cleaves the cross-linked fibrin to release fragments like D-dimer. So the presence of D-dimer in the blood signals that a clot has formed and is being degraded. It’s not produced by white blood cells, platelets, or fibrinogen—those are involved in clotting or are precursors, but the D-dimer itself arises from the breakdown of the clot’s fibrin.