RBC Metabolic Pathways Quiz

Catulase Enzyme Function

• Catulase acts as a catalyzer to convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Thalassemia and Abdominal Enlargement

• Individuals with thalassemia experience abdominal enlargement mainly due to splenomegaly, as the spleen works harder to filter abnormal red blood cells.

Fate of Bilirubin After Conjugation

• Once conjugated in the liver, bilirubin is transformed into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in bile or urine, thereby aiding in the elimination of waste.

RBC Flexibility After 100-140 Days

• After 100-140 days, red blood cells (RBCs) lose their flexibility, contributing to their recognition and destruction by the spleen.

Role of Glutathione

• In its reduced form, glutathione serves as a crucial antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Hexose Monophosphate Shunt

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase catalyzes the first step of the hexose monophosphate shunt pathway, which is critical for generating NADPH.

Primary Function of Hexose Monophosphate Shunt Pathway

• The hexose monophosphate shunt pathway is primarily responsible for producing NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate, vital for nucleotide synthesis and reducing agents.

Significance of NADPH in Hexose Monophosphate Shunt

• NADPH generated in the hexose monophosphate shunt is essential for biosynthetic reactions, including fatty acid synthesis and maintaining glutathione in its reduced form.

Consequence of Oxidative Stress

• Oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage, inflammation, and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegeneration.

First Reaction Enzyme of the Hexose Monophosphate Shunt

• The enzyme involved in the first reaction of the hexose monophosphate shunt pathway is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, initiating the pathway's crucial processes.