Red Cell Metabolism

Question 1

What is the major biochemical pathway involved in red cell metabolism?

Answer 1

Anaerobic glycolytic (embden - Meyerhof) pathway.
Supplying ATP
Pyruvate kinase

Question 2

Which shute of the anaerobic glycolytic pathway has a major role in relation to oxygen affinity between haemoglobin and the tissues.

Answer 2

Rapoport-Luebering Shunt; side shute.

Produces 2, 3- DPG.

Question 3

What does the oxidative pathway of hexose monophosphate provide to the red cell?

Answer 3

Approx 10% of glycolysis occurs by this oxidative pathway which provides reducing power to the red cell.

Question 4

In which forms does hexose monophosphate pathway provide reducing power to the red cell?

Answer 4

• glutathione
• NADPH
• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Question 5

What are individuals suffering from haemolytic anaemia deficient in?

Answer 5

Glucose 6-dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase

G6PD) and (PK

Question 6

What are red cell deficiencies called?

Answer 6

Red cell enzymopathies.

Question 7

How does G6PD produce a reducing power to combat oxidative stress in the red cell?

Answer 7

It converts glucose 6 phosphate to 6-phosphogluconate.