I believe the correct answer is proteinuria.
Explanation:
The kidney as a unit filters blood at a rate of 90-160 mL/min by the help of specific structural units called nephrons that filter blood individually to remove waste and reabsorb essential ions and water. Sometimes the protein leaks through the nephron and is what is found in urine causing the condition called proteinuria.
Further Explanation:
The nephrons of the kidney have a specific structure called the Bowman's capsule that is supplied with blood from the major afferent arteriole. The capsule divides the afferent arteriole into smaller capillaries to slow the blood as it passes through it. It is when blood is passing through the capsule that a process called ultrafiltration occurs. During this process, molecules smaller than the size of blood cells are removed. These include glucose, drugs, waste such as creatinine and ions. The nephron through special regions called the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule reabsorbs any material that is still wanted by the body. In some conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure, the larger molecules are forced through the kidney. In diabetes mellitus, more sugar is forced than is absorbed and this will cause a person to urinate more. Proteins are big macromolecules that are not allowed to pass in any conditions but when the kidney starts to fail, the Bowman's capsule becomes porous and allows the protein to pass out the body through urine rather than be recycled back in the body. Through tests such as urinalysis, the proteins are detected and quantified and the person is diagnosed with proteinuria. Treatment is usually by managing the primary condition such as kidney transplant or in cases of bacterial infections by use of antibiotics. This process is similar to people who suffer from the condition diabetes mellitus.
Level: High School
Subject: Biology
Topic: Excretion
