Blood Cell Formation and Hemoglobin

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary location of red blood cell formation?

Red bone marrow (correct)
Liver
Lymph nodes
Spleen

Which feature of red blood cells enhances their ability to transport oxygen?

High levels of organelles
Biconcave disc shape (correct)
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
Presence of a nucleus

What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?

30 days
90 days
150 days
120 days (correct)

What is the main component of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

<p>Four polypeptide chains (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

<p>To allow for more hemoglobin space (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are red blood cells?

Red blood cells are the most abundant cells found in blood, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

What is erythropoiesis?

Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell formation, primarily taking place in the red bone marrow.

What is the shape of red blood cells?

Red blood cells have a unique biconcave shape which maximizes surface area. This shape allows for efficient gas exchange and helps them navigate through tiny blood vessels.

What is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that binds to and transports oxygen.

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What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?

Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. Old or damaged red blood cells are removed from the body and recycled by the spleen and liver.

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Study Notes

Blood Cell Formation

Blood cell formation, or hematopoiesis, begins with hemocytoblasts in red bone marrow
Red bone marrow is the primary site for blood cell production
Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, comprise nearly 99.9% of formed elements in the blood.
RBC shape is biconcave disc, maximizing surface area and allowing for flexibility and bending
RBCs lack organelles and a nucleus, increasing space for hemoglobin
Red blood cells live approximately 120 days before specialized cells phagocytize and recycle them.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin, a globular protein, accounts for about 95% of RBC proteins.
Hemoglobin consists of four polypeptide chains, each with a heme molecule containing an iron ion (Fe²⁺).
Oxygen molecules bind to iron ions due to the opposite charges of the molecules (oxygen is negatively charged and is attracted to the positively charged iron).