Erythropoesis Flashcards
What are the features of RBCs?
full of Hb to carry blood
no nucleus or mitochondria
high surface area:volume ratio - allows gas exchange
flexible
What are the downsides to RBCs specialised features?
oxygen carries oxidation risk
Hb = high oncotic pressure
no nucleus so cant replace damaged proteins
no mitochondria to relys on glycolysis for energy generation
How does the RBC membrane keep the ion concentration correct?
Na/K pump
What is the structure of Hb?
tetrameric
per subgroup: 1 heme and 1 Fe 2+ iron
What is the composition of adult Hb (HbA)?
2 alpha 2 beta
What is the composition of foetal Hb (Hbf)?
2 alpha 2 gamma
What state must iron be in to carry oxygen?
Fe2+
Whats the function of Hb?
deliver oxygen to tissues when pO2 is too low
act as a buffer for H
CO2 transport
What type of binding do O2 and Hb exhibit?
allosteric - once O2 binds it makes it easier for the other 3 Hb units to bind O2
What type of curve does Hb and O2 binding show?
sigmoidal curve
What mediates eryhropoesis?
EPO - erythropoitin
What triggers EPO release?
hypoxia - sensed by the hypoxia center in the kidneys
What produced EPO?
kidneys
What is required for erythropoesis?
B12, folate, iron, EPO
What is the average RBC lifespan?
120 days