NORMAL RED CELLS Flashcards
how do red cells generate energy
glycolysis
why is the RBC membrane structure of protein ‘spars’ and anchors important
makes the membrane flexible allowing it to move through small capillaries
describe haemoglobin structure
tetrameric globular protein
2 alpha and 2 beta chains
1 heme group Fe2+ per subgroup
what is the ration of oxygen binding to Fe2+
one oxygen molecule binds to one Fe2+
where does red cell destruction occur
spleen
how are the breakdown products of RBCs recycles
globing chains broken down to amino acids
heme group broken down to iron and bilirubin
which breakdown product of RBCs is excreted
bilirubin
which molecules are involved in the breakdown pathway of heme to bilirubin
heme
porphyrin
biliverdin
bilirubin
how does the body detect a shortage of RBCs
the kidneys detect hypoxia
which substance is produced by the kidneys in response to hypoxia
erythropoietin
which two products of glycolysis are essential for energy and prevention of oxidation
ATP (energy)
NADH (prevention of oxidation)
why can NADH prevent oxidation
because it is a reducing agent
why is it important to prevent the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+
because Fe3+ (metHb) can’t carry oxygen
which substance protects the RBC from hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species
glutathione (GSH)
how does GSH protect RBCs from reactive oxygen species
it reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form water and an oxidised glutathione product (GSSG)
