Briefly explain role of vitamin K in clotting [4 marks]
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vitamin K coagulation gamma carboxylation clotting factors official reference
Vitamin K is required in the liver for the post-translational gamma-carboxylation of glutamate residues on several clotting proteins.
- This activates clotting factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX and X.
- Gamma-carboxylation allows these factors to bind calcium (Ca²⁺).
- Calcium binding enables their attachment to phospholipid surfaces, which is necessary for the coagulation cascade to proceed effectively.
- Vitamin K deficiency produces inactive clotting factors, causing impaired clotting and a bleeding tendency, typically with prolonged prothrombin time (PT).
Source: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, section on vitamin K-dependent clotting factors; NCBI reference.
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