Description
Coagulation Factor II Protein (FII, F2 Protein or Prothrombin) is proteolytically cleaved to form thrombin in the first step of the coagulation cascade which ultimately results in the stemming of blood loss. Coagulation Factor II Protein (FII, F2 Protein) also plays a role in maintaining vascular integrity during development and postnatal life. Prothrombin / Coagulation Factor II is activated on the surface of a phospholipid membrane that binds the amino end of prothrombin / Coagulation Factor II and factor Va and Xa in Ca-dependent interactions; factor Xa removes the activation peptide and cleaves the remaining part into light and heavy chains. The activation process starts slowly because factor V itself has to be activated by the initial, small amounts of thrombin.