Structure + Function of Normal Red Cells Flashcards

1
Q

describe the shape of an RBC

A

biconcave disc

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2
Q

what cell structures do RBC’s lack?

A

nucleus

mitochondria

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3
Q

describe the structure of the RBC’s membrane

A

lipid bilayer containing proteins to make it flexible

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4
Q

what structure is important to provide energy and keep water out of RBC’s?

A

the sodium potassium pump

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5
Q

what forms HbA?

A

two alpha and two beta subunits

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6
Q

what forms HbF?

A

two alpha and two gamma subunits

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7
Q

what does oxygen bind to in Hb?

A

Fe2+ in the haem group

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8
Q

what is the role of Hb?

A

deliver oxygen to tissues

also acts as a buffer for H+ and transports CO2

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9
Q

when should Hb let go of oxygen/

A

when pO2 is low in the tissues

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10
Q

describe the shape of the oxygen Hb dissociation curve

A

sigmoidal

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11
Q

what effect does shifting the oxygen Hb dissociation curve to the right have?

A

more oxygen delivered to the tissues

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12
Q

name three molecules that can interact with Hb and shift the oxygen Hb dissociation curve to the right

A

H+
CO2
2,3-BPG

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13
Q

how is 2,3-BPG generated?

A

via the rapapport lubering shunt

a side process in glycolysis

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14
Q

what happens to 2,3-BPG in chronic anaemia and why?

A

becomes elevated in an attempt to compensate for the anaemia

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15
Q

what is erythropoeisis?

A

red cell production

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16
Q

where does red cell production occur?

A

the bone marrow

17
Q

what hormone regulates red cell production?

A

erythropoeitin produced by the kidneys

18
Q

describe the effects of erythropoietin if oxygen saturations drop

A

hypoxia sensed by the kidneys
erythropoietin produced
red cell production stimulated

19
Q

where does red cell destruction occur?

A

spleen

also the liver

20
Q

what is the average lifespan of a red cell?

A

120 days

21
Q

what happens to RBCs after their lifespan is up?

A

taken up by macrophages + broken down

22
Q

what happens to the contents of red cells after being broken down by macrophages?

A

globin chains recycled to amino acids

haem group broken down into iron and bilirubin