5 - Structure and Function of Red Blood Cells

Question 1

What increases the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen?

Answer 1

Decrease in:
- PCO2
- Temperature
- 2,3 DPG
Increase in:
- pH

Question 2

What are the 2 main functions of RBC integral membrane proteins?

Answer 2

1. Aid in the transport of gasses and ions
2. Involved in cell-cell recognition

Question 3

What are three examples of multi-pass integral RBC membrane proteins?

Answer 3

• Rh proteins
• Band 3 protein
• Duffy antigen

Question 4

What are two examples of single pass type I (N-terminus outside) integral RBC membrane proteins?

Answer 4

• Glycophorin A
• Lutheran glycoprotein

Question 5

What is an example of a single pass type II (C-terminus outside ) integral RBC membrane proteins?

Answer 5

• Kell glycoprotein

Question 6

What is the function of RBC peripheral membrane proteins?

Answer 6

Forms the membrane cytoskeleton - critical for RBC flexibility, durability and mechanical stability

Question 7

What are 4 examples of RBC peripheral membrane proteins?

Answer 7

• Spectrin
• Ankyrin
• Actin
• Myosin

Question 8

What are 2 examples of RBC membrane defects and what causes them?

Answer 8

• Hereditary spherocytosis - red cell becomes spherical and less flexible leading to haemolysis
• Hereditary elliptocytosis - elliptically shaped red cells
• Caused by mutations or deficiency in RBC membrane proteins