Immunohematology Module MLS 323

The outer layer of a red blood cell that contains important molecules like antigens, which are responsible for blood types.

Molecules found on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type.

The study of blood group antigens and antibodies, particularly as they relate to blood transfusions.

The process of how characteristics are passed down from parents to offspring.

Specialized proteins that are part of the immune system and recognize and bind to specific antigens.

A complex system of proteins involved in the immune response, which helps destroy invaders.

The process of storing blood for transfusion purposes, which involves maintaining the integrity of the red blood cells.

The scientific study of genes and how they function.

White blood cells, responsible for fighting infections and diseases.

A type of leukocyte that engulfs and destroys microorganisms and other foreign substances.

A type of leukocyte that releases histamine to trigger inflammation and heparin to prevent blood clotting.

A type of leukocyte responsible for producing antibodies and regulating the immune system.

A type of leukocyte that transforms into a macrophage and engulfs bacteria, dead cells, and debris.

Small, cell-like fragments involved in blood clotting.

The flexible barrier that surrounds a red blood cell, composed of a lipid bilayer and a protein cytoskeleton.

The protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, found within red blood cells.

The ability of red blood cells (RBCs) to change shape and bend, allowing them to squeeze through narrow blood vessels.

The loss of energy (ATP) in RBCs leads to a decrease in deformability, making the cell less flexible.

Calcium buildup in the RBC membrane makes it more rigid and less pliable, reducing its ability to deform.

Spherocytes are RBCs with a reduced surface-to-volume ratio, having a rounder shape, while bite cells have a permanent indentation due to membrane loss.

The ability of the RBC membrane to control what substances pass through it.

The RBC membrane is permeable to water and anions, but less permeable to cations like sodium and potassium.

Active transport mechanisms control the internal concentrations of sodium and potassium, maintaining the balance of water and volume in the RBC.

Any change in RBC membrane permeability or cation transport can affect its survival, potentially leading to its destruction.

A tetramer composed of two pairs of different globin polypeptide chains.

A type of globin found in embryonic development, with a specific chain combination of zeta (ζ) and epsilon (ε).

A type of globin found in adult hemoglobin with 2 alpha (α) and 2 beta (β) chains, making up the majority of adult hemoglobin.

A molecule composed of a porphyrin ring and a ferrous iron (Fe2+) ion.

A protein found in red blood cells that helps regulate the binding and release of oxygen.

A process that involves active pumping of calcium ions (Ca2+) out of red blood cells.

A protein that helps regulate calcium pumps in red blood cells.

When red blood cells become depleted of ATP, they lose potassium (K+) and water, leading to dehydration and rigidity.

A network of proteins inside the red blood cell membrane that maintains its shape and integrity. It's crucial for the red blood cell's ability to squeeze through tiny blood vessels.

The relaxed form of hemoglobin, with a higher affinity for oxygen, formed when oxygen binds to hemoglobin, breaking salt bridges and pulling β chains together.

The process of hemoglobin loading and unloading oxygen, causing structural changes in the hemoglobin molecule.

A protein component of the red blood cell membrane that's involved in maintaining its shape and structure. Mutations in this protein can affect the red blood cell's form.

The relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and the amount of oxygen bound by hemoglobin. The graph of this relationship is sigmoid-shaped.

A protein embedded in the red blood cell membrane that contributes to its structure. It's also associated with the MN blood group system.

The partial pressure of oxygen needed to saturate 50% of hemoglobin. A normal value for p50 is 27 mmHg.

A layer of sugars and proteins on the surface of the red blood cell. It acts like a protective shield against damage and infections.

A shift to the right on the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve, indicating a decreased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This allows for more oxygen delivery to tissues.

Changes that occur within the red blood cell during storage, which can affect its viability.

A shift to the left on the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve, indicating an increased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This reduces oxygen delivery to tissues.

The ability of red blood cells to survive and function after transfusion.

Antigens present on the surface of red blood cells, responsible for blood type determination.

The process of keeping blood components fresh and functional for transfusion.

The amount of free hemoglobin released from red blood cells during storage. It reflects the integrity of the red blood cell membrane.

The structure and function of red blood cell antigens.