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Questions and Answers
What is the shape of a red blood cell?
During which stage of embryonic development does erythropoiesis occur in the yolk sac?
What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?
Where does erythropoiesis occur in children and adults?
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What is the primary function of haemoglobin in red blood cells?
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Study Notes
Blood Cells
- Erythrocytes (RBCs) undergo Oxythropoiesis, a process that produces red blood cells.
Structure and Function of RBCs
- RBCs have a biconcave shape, allowing them to pass through the lumen of blood vessels.
- The biconcave shape is maintained by the protein spectrin.
- RBCs have a diameter of approximately 7.5-8.7 μm.
- The surface area-to-volume ratio of RBCs is 1.3-1.4 μm²/μm³.
Haemoglobin
- Haemoglobin is a protein found in RBCs that transports oxygen.
- Haemoglobin is synthesized in the bone marrow.
Life Span of RBCs
- The average life span of RBCs is 110 days.
Metabolism of RBCs
- RBCs undergo glycolysis to generate energy (EMP pathway).
- They also use the hexose monophosphate (HMP) pathway to generate energy.
Erythropoiesis
- Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production, which occurs in the bone marrow.
- During intrauterine life, erythropoiesis occurs in the following stages:
- Mesoblastic stage (up to 3 months): RBCs are produced in the yolk sac.
- Hepatic stage (3-5 months): RBCs are produced in the liver and spleen.
- Myeloid stage (after 5 months): RBCs are produced in the bone marrow.
Developmental Stages of Erythropoiesis
- In children, erythropoiesis occurs in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
- The bone marrow becomes the primary site of erythropoiesis around age 6.
- The liver and spleen stop producing RBCs around age 5 and 6, respectively.
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Description
This quiz covers the structure and function of red blood cells, including their shape, lifespan, and role in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also touches on hemoglobin and its importance in the body.
