Which vitamin K dependent factors are essential for blood coagulation?

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the synthesis of specific clotting factors that are essential for normal blood coagulation. The correct answer identifies factors 2 (prothrombin), 7, 9, and 10 as vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors.

Factor 2, also known as prothrombin, is pivotal in the coagulation cascade, being the precursor to thrombin, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin during clot formation. Factor 7 is involved in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and activates factor 10 when it is in the presence of tissue factor. Factors 9 and 10 are essential in the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade, respectively.

Without vitamin K, the carboxylation of these factors cannot occur effectively, leading to impaired coagulation and an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, understanding the specific factors that rely on vitamin K is essential for managing conditions related to clotting disorders and treatments such as anticoagulation therapy.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the vitamin K-dependent factors essential for blood coagulation. Factors such as 1 (fibrinogen), 3 (tissue factor), 5, and 8 are not dependent on vitamin K