INTS5 - Red Cells and Related Disorders Flashcards
Where do red cells originate from.
Haematopoietic stem cell precursors in the bone marrow.
Discuss what happens to a red cell structure when it matures.
Cytoplasm reduces. Nuclear side decreases and disappears. Only one protein remains - haemoglobin.
Discuss the chemical structure of heme.
Organic ring shaped molecule whose spherical structure enables holding an iron molecule.
What is the role of haemoglobin.
Transport oxygens by allowing it to bind.
What gives red blood cells the colour.
Haemoglobin. Mainly the interaction of heme and iron ions which absorbs the other colours whilst reflecting red.
What are the two main roles of the haemoglobin
Transport of gases mainly oxygen. Holding electrons which facilitate reactions in the electron transport chain.
How does heme detect oxygen in the circulation for it to bind to.
Haemoglobin is attached to the cell membrane of all blood cells allowing the heme for up to be exposed to the blood plasma.
Discuss the role of myoglobin.
Myoglobin is the haemoglobin equivalent for muscle cells. It also contains a heme group which operates slightly differently allowing oxygen to stay bound to the heme until it reaches the mitochondria within the muscle cell.
How does oxygen become dissociated.
Carbon dioxide levels in the blood are higher meaning that blood ph becomes lowered. Conformational change occurs which causes oxygen to become dissociated.
