Biology Blood Components Quiz

Components of Blood

• Plasma: Nonliving component over 90% water; contains proteins, salts, and materials for transport.
• Fibrinogen: A plasma protein essential for the blood clotting process.
• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Also known as erythrocytes; transport oxygen and carbon dioxide via hemoglobin; average lifespan of 100-120 days; produced in red marrow of flat and long bones.
• White Blood Cells (WBC): Known as leukocytes; defend the body against bacteria; lifespan of 13-20 days; larger but fewer than RBCs.
• Classification of WBC:
  • Granulocytes: Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.
  • Agranulocytes: Lymphocytes and phagocytes.
• Phagocytes: Ingest bacteria and foreign substances; play a protective role.
• Lymphocytes: Produce antibodies against foreign bodies; created in lymph nodes; lifespan of 4 hours to 10 days.
• Platelets: Also called thrombocytes; crucial for blood clotting; prevent bleeding and RBC leakage; lifespan of 3-5 days.
• Hemocytoblasts: Special connective tissues where all blood cells (RBC, WBC, platelets) are formed.

Blood Types

• Karl Landsteiner: Discovered blood antigens (A & B) and antibodies (anti-A & anti-B) in human blood.
• Serum: Blood plasma without clotting factors like fibrinogen.
• Four Main Blood Types:
  • Type A
  • Type B
  • Type AB: Universal recipient, can receive blood from any type.
  • Type O: Universal donor, can be given to any type.

Blood-Letting

• Historical medical practice involving the withdrawal of small amounts of blood from patients.

Types of Blood Vessels

• Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart; have thick, elastic walls to handle high pressure; the aorta is the largest artery.
• Veins: Transport oxygen-poor blood back to the heart; have thin walls and valves to prevent backflow; the inferior and superior venae cavae are the largest veins.
• Capillaries: Connect arteries and veins; facilitate the exchange of gases and small molecules between blood and body cells.

Genetic Studies

• Genetics: Study of heredity information and inheritance mechanisms.
• Heredity: Transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
• Variations: Differences among individuals of the same species.

Three Branches of Genetics

• Mendelian / Classical Genetics: Basic inheritance laws proposed by Gregor Mendel.
• Molecular Genetics: Focuses on the biochemical aspects of genes and inheritance mechanisms.
• Population Genetics: Examines gene behavior in populations and environmental impacts on gene frequency.

Gregor Johann Mendel

• Known as the father of genetics; entered a monastery at 21 and became a priest four years later.
• Conducted pioneering breeding experiments using garden peas to study inheritance.
• Initially received little recognition for his work presented to the Natural History Society.