Erythrocytes (RBC's)

Question 1

describe the shape of the erythrocytes

Answer 1

biconcave

Question 2

why is the erythrocytes biconcave?

Answer 2

because it lost it’s nucleus and has no organelles

Question 3

what are the functions of the erythrocytes?

Answer 3

1. carry oxygen to tissues

2. removal of carbon dioxide

Question 4

are erythrocytes flexible?

Answer 4

very flexible

Question 5

what is the life span the erythrocytes?

Answer 5

110-120 days

Question 6

what is the problem of erythrocytes?

Answer 6

1. it does not have it’s nucleus
2. it does not have DNA
3. it can not repair itself
4. it can not reproduce

Question 7

what is the flexibility of the erythrocyte?

Answer 7

the flexibility of the cell allows it to adapt readily to irregular shapes and sizes of capillaries

Question 8

explain one amino acid substitution

Answer 8

one amino acid substitution in the beta chain of hemoglobin renders it insoluble (brittle; inflexible)

Question 9

what are the results of the substitution?

Answer 9

if you get one amino acid wrong you get sickle cell anemia

Question 10

what is the hemoglobin of the erythrocytes?

Answer 10

4 heme groups and one Fe++

Question 11

when hemoglobin binds w/oxygen you get

Answer 11

oxyhemoglobin

Question 12

when hemoglobin binds w/carbon dioxide you get

Answer 12

carbamino hemoglobin

Question 13

are oxyhemoglobin and carbamino hemoglobin reversible of irreversible?

Answer 13

reversible

Question 14

when hemoglobin binds w/carbon monoxide you get

Answer 14

carboxyhemoglobin which is NOT reversible

Question 15

how do we get different blood cells?

Answer 15

1. cell membrane

2. glycophorin binding

Question 16

explain cell membrane

Answer 16

cell membrane contains integral membrane proteins

Question 17

explain glycophorin binding

Answer 17

glycophine binding different oligosaccharide chains

Question 18

the composition of these chains will determine what?

Answer 18

will determine your blood type