L04 - Red Cell Metabolism

Question 1

What is the main function of Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP)?

Answer 1

To produce NADPH and ribose

Question 2

What is the enzyme involved in PPP?

Answer 2

G6PD

Question 3

Where is the gene encoding G6PD located?

Answer 3

XQ28 of X chromosome

Question 4

List some offending agents

Answer 4

Fava Bean,
Antimalarial drugs
Common medication (trimethoprim, aspirin)

Question 5

**What is the action of NADPH on glutathione? **

Answer 5

NADPH reduces glutathione to remove oxidative stress

Question 6

Why is RBC the only cell affected in G6PD deficiency?

Answer 6

Because RBC doesn’t have mitochondria

Question 7

What happen when an offending agent is presented to a patient?

Answer 7

Oxidative attack by reactive species lead to hemolysis

Question 8

What happen when the offending agent is absent?

Answer 8

Hb cross link to form Heinz bodies on cell membranes

RBC membranes mroe prone to defomity when exposed to oxidative stress, hence lysis