Difference Between Plasma and Blood

The primary difference between plasma and blood is that plasma is in liquid form. It is a component of blood while blood is the main circulating fluid and is responsible for transporting important nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide and waste products to and away from the cells. The composition of blood is approximately 55% plasma and 45% blood cells. Plasma is a light yellow liquid that carries out water, salts, and some enzymes.

Difference between Plasma and Blood

The differences between plasma and blood are as follows:

Feature	Blood	Plasma
Definition	Blood is a bodily fluid that circulates through arteries, veins, and capillaries in animals, and carries nutrients, respiratory gases, and waste products to and away from the cells.	Plasma is the blood’s liquid component.
Color	Blood is red in color because it contains hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that contributes to the red color of blood.	Plasma is straw in color. It is composed of water approximately 95% (by volume).
Structure	Blood is composed of RBC, WBC, platelets, and plasma.	Plasma consists of water, glucose, amino acids, proteins, hormones, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and dissolved carbon dioxide
Cells	Red blood cells and white blood cells are present in the blood.	Plasma does not contain any cellular components.
Antibodies	Antibodies and antigens present in the blood.	Plasma contains antibodies such as- immunoglobulins, which fight infection.

Blood

Blood is a special bodily fluid, it is the most essential component for sustaining life in both humans and other animals. The blood that circulates through veins, arteries and capillaries is called whole blood. It contains essential nutrients and oxygen that are supplied to all the cells of the body through the circulatory system. Blood is part of the circulatory system. Blood is made up of plasma – about 55%, and 45% blood cells.

Other components of blood are red blood cells which are also referred to as erythrocytes, white blood cells, also known as leukocytes and platelets also referred to as thrombocytes. In vertebrates, they have a closed circulatory system and contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin, which uses arteries and veins to transport oxygen in the bloodstream.

Functions of Blood

Blood performs several functions; some important functions are mentioned below:

• It provides oxygen and other essential nutrients to the tissue.
• It also assists in removing carbon dioxide and other waste products from the tissue.
• It promotes clotting at the site of injury and is cut with platelets.
• It aids in the regulation of the body’s temperature and pH.

Plasma

Plasma is a pale yellow liquid. It is composed of water– around 90% (by volume). It is considered as the single largest component of the blood in humans. It consist of other essential substances including proteins, clotting factors, glucose, electrolytes, carbon dioxide and hormones.

Plasma is an integral part of blood. Plasma is essential to help your body recover from injury. Plasma also protects the body against infections. Furthermore, it regulates the body’s electrolyte balance and pH equilibrium.

Functions of Plasma

Plasma performs several functions; some important functions are mentioned below:

• It maintain the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body.
• It also supports immune function as well as clotting of the blood.
• It acts as a protein reserve for the body.

Similarities Between Blood and Plasma

Following are some similarities between Blood and Plasma:

• Both blood and plasma transport essential elements by the  human body. 
• Both blood and plasma have immunological functions in the body.
• Both blood and plasma consist of clotting factors.

FAQs on Blood and Plasma

1. Why is blood red in colour?

Answer:

Blood is red in color due to the presence of the protein called hemoglobin in human blood. Hemoglobin includes heme, a red molecule that helps transport oxygen through the bloodstream.

2. What is the significance of blood?

Answer:

Blood transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body, where it is required for metabolism. The blood carries the carbon dioxide created during metabolism back to the lungs, where it is expelled (exhaled).

3. What are the types of blood?

Answer:

There are four types of blood groups that is A, B, AB, and O. Blood type is determined by the genes which an individual inherit from parents.

4. What constitutes the plasma?

Answer:

Plasma is about 90% of water. It also consist of 7% essential proteins including albumin, gamma globulin and anti-hemophilic factor and 1% mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins.