03b: RBC Flashcards
List some things transported by blood.
- Water
- Heat
- Gasses
- Defense components
- Proteins
- Nutrients/salt/waste
- Messengers (hormones)
Amount of blood per kg BW in male and female.
Male: 75 mL/kg
Female: 65 mL/kg
How many liters blood in average person?
5-6 L
Clinically, one “unit” of blood is what volume?
450 mL
Concentration of Hb in a RBC:
30g/dL RBC
Why is Hb packaged in RBC?
Has short half-life in circulation
RBC is about (X) thick and has a diameter of (Y).
X = 1-2 micrometers Y = 8 micrometers
What can occur to RBCs in slow-flowing blood?
Form rouleaux (stack together like roll of coins)
RBC rouleaux more seen in which cases?
- Diseases that increase RBC stickiness (change surface proteins)
- Pregnancy
T/F: RBC transports lots of oxygen, but does not use it.
True
RBC mitochondria produce ATP at (slower/faster) rate than other cells.
No mitochondria! Only ATP production by anaerobic glycolysis
If an RBC is depleted of ATP:
Shape changes (crenated)
Glucose enters RBC via which transporter(s)?
None; just by simple diffusion
Why/how does crenation of RBC happen?
- ATP depletion
- Dysfunction of Na/K and Ca pump
- Ca accumulates in cell (spiky appearance)
Sickle cell disease arises from:
One AA change in Hb
Which conditions begin the sickle cell crisis? Why?
Low oxygen or low pH; causes HbS to crystallize into long, rigid rods (gives cell sickle shape)
Why is a sickle shape problematic?
Cells not flexible, block vasculature, decrease oxygen and increase LA buildup (cycle)
Methemoglobin is (X) and functions to (Y).
X = oxidized form of Hb (has ferric ion)
Non-functional!
Oxidized Hb transforms into:
Dysfunctional Hb (methemoglobin)
T/F: oxidation of Hb is reversible.
True
(X) restores the iron to (Y), making Hb functional again.
X = methemoglobin reductase Y = ferrous state (Fe2+)
RBC requires NADH because it acts as a(n) (X) for (Y).
X = cofactor Y = methemoglobin reductase
NADH levels in RBC maintained by:
Glycolysis
Why is it important to maintain adequate H2O2 levels in RBC?
It’s not… H2O2 is potent oxidizing species for Hb