An example of anthropomorphism in science writing:
"The mechanism of thrombosis in PNH [paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria] is not entirely understood and appears to be multifactorial. Indeed, nitric oxide depletion has been associated with increased platelet aggregation, increased platelet adhesion, and accelerated clot formation. In an attempt to repair damage, PNH platelets undergo exocytosis of the complement attack complex. This results in the formation of microvesicles with phosphatidylserine externalisation, a potent in vitro procoagulant. These prothrombotic microvesicles have been detected in the blood of PNH patients. Fibrinolysis may also be perturbed in PNH given that PNH blood cells lack the GPI-anchored urokinase receptor. Lastly, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a major inhibitor of tissue factor, has been shown to require a GPI-anchored chaperone protein for trafficking to the endothelial cell surface."
Brodsky, Robert A. (2018) Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, in Edward J. Benz, Nancy Berliner, & Fred J. Schiffman, Anemia. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management, Cambridge University Press, 137-142.
The phrasing suggests that platelets have an aim and act deliberately if not read figuratively.
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'Chaperone' could be read as a metaphorical term, as a novice or non-specialist may not realise that 'chaperone protein' is used as a technical term used in the field.
