A child is born with a genetic mutation that results in the lack of production of plasminogen. How will this affect hemostasis?
1) Because plasminogen causes platelets to adhere to collagen at the broken surfaces of blood vessels, the platelet plug will not form.
2) Because plasminogen is converted to a clot-dissolving substance, blood clots will not be broken down.
3) Because plasminogen activates Factor III to initiate the extrinsic clotting mechanism, clotting will be prevented.
4) Because plasminogen activates Hageman Factor to initiate the intrinsic clotting mechanism, clotting will be prevented.

Plasminogen is a precursor protein that, when activated, becomes plasmin. Plasmin is a potent enzyme responsible for breaking down blood clots by degrading fibrin, the protein meshwork that forms the clot. Without plasminogen production, the conversion to plasmin cannot occur, leading to a deficiency in the clot-dissolving process. As a result, blood clots will not be effectively broken down, potentially leading to an increased risk of thrombosis or the formation of abnormal blood clots.

Option 1 is incorrect because platelet adhesion to collagen is primarily mediated by von Willebrand factor, not plasminogen. Plasminogen does not directly play a role in platelet plug formation.

Option 3 is incorrect because plasminogen does not activate Factor III (also known as tissue factor). Factor III is involved in the initiation of the extrinsic clotting pathway, but plasminogen is not directly involved in this process.

Option 4 is incorrect because plasminogen does not activate Hageman Factor (also known as Factor XII). Hageman Factor is part of the intrinsic clotting pathway, but plasminogen does not play a role in its activation.