Red Blood Cells
Red Blood Cell Diagram
Introduction
The Structure of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are tiny, biconcave discs with a diameter of around 7.8 micrometres. These cells' biconcave form enhances their surface area, which improves their capacity to take in and expel oxygen and carbon dioxide. The cells' flexibility and capacity to fit into tiny capillaries is also a result of their centre being thinner than their margins.
Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is in charge of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. The four subunits that make up haemoglobin each include a heme group. Iron in the complex chemical compound heme interacts with oxygen molecules to form a bond. About 270 million haemoglobin molecules may be found in each red blood cell, and each one is capable of carrying up to four oxygen molecules.
The Production of Red Blood Cells
Bone marrow, the spongy substance located in the centre of bones, is where red blood cells are made. A hormone called erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys, regulates the synthesis of red blood cells. The kidneys release erythropoietin when the body notices low oxygen levels in the blood, which prompts the bone marrow to generate more red blood cells.
A red blood cell has a lifetime of around 120 days. The spleen and liver then break the cell down into its component parts and eliminate it from circulation. The remaining heme group components are expelled, but the iron is recycled and utilised to make new red blood cells.
The Function of Red Blood Cells
Transporting carbon dioxide and oxygen is the main duty of red blood cells. The body's tissues absorb oxygen from the lungs and use it for cellular respiration, which produces energy. As a byproduct of this procedure, carbon dioxide is carried back to the lungs where it is expelled from the body.
Hemoglobin is what allows red blood cells to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. In the lungs, where oxygen concentration is high, haemoglobin binds to and releases oxygen; in the body's tissues, where oxygen concentration is low, haemoglobin releases oxygen. Similar to this, carbon dioxide is released from haemoglobin's bonds with tissues in the lungs, where it is expelled from the body.
In keeping the pH of the blood stable, red blood cells are also essential. In order to keep the pH of the blood within a specific range, it is strictly controlled. (7.35 to 7.45). By functioning as a buffer, red blood cells aid in preserving this pH by absorbing extra hydrogen ions when necessary (which causes the blood to become more acidic) or releasing hydrogen ions when necessary (which causes the blood to become more basic).
Abnormalities in Red Blood Cells
The shape and function of red blood cells may be impacted by a variety of disorders. These anomalies may be inherited genetically or acquired (occur as a result of disease or injury).
The hereditary abnormality of red blood cells known as sickle cell anaemia is one of the most well-known. The gene that codes for the beta-globin subunit of haemoglobin has a mutation that results in this disease. Red blood cells with irregular crescent shapes and decreased flexibility result from the mutation in the haemoglobin molecules. These aberrant cells may obstruct blood arteries, which might lead to discomfort, organ harm, and an elevated danger of infection.
The gene that codes for the alpha- and beta-globin components of haemoglobin has been mutated, resulting in thalassemia, another genetic disorder. Anemia, weariness, and other symptoms are brought on by thalassemia, which is characterised by decreased or missing synthesis of one or both subunits.
Nutritional deficiencies, chronic illnesses, and drugs are just a few of the things that might cause acquired abnormalities in red blood cells. For instance, iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body is unable to create enough haemoglobin as a result of a lack of iron, and this condition can cause weakness, exhaustion, and other symptoms.
Red blood cell generation or function may also be impacted by certain drugs. Chemotherapy medications, for instance, can harm the bone marrow, resulting in a reduction in the formation of red blood cells and anaemia.
Conclusion
Red blood cells are essential for keeping the body healthy and functioning properly. They are able to efficiently carry oxygen and carbon dioxide while preserving the blood's pH because to their special shape and function. Red blood cell disorders and other illnesses that impact these crucial cells must be diagnosed and treated, and this requires a thorough understanding of red blood cell formation, function, and abnormalities. New medicines and treatments are being identified as a result of ongoing research in this area, which may eventually help people with red blood cell abnormalities live healthier lives.
What are red blood cells?
specialised cells in the body that transport carbon dioxide from the body's tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled and oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
What is the shape of red blood cells?
In the form of a biconcave disc with a flattened centre and slightly curved borders, red blood cells are made up of.
What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which attaches to oxygen molecules and transports them across the body.
What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?
The lifespan of a red blood cell is approximately 120 days.
What happens to old or damaged red blood cells?
Old or damaged red blood cells are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen and liver.
What hormone stimulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, is the hormone that promotes the creation of red blood cells.
What is anemia?
Anaemia is a condition in which there is a reduction in the quantity of haemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood.
What is sickle cell anemia?
A hereditary condition known as sickle cell anaemia changes the shape of red blood cells, making them crescent-shaped and less able to carry oxygen.
What is thalassemia?
Anaemia and associated difficulties are carried on by the genetic condition thalassemia, which inhibits the synthesis of haemoglobin.
How can you prevent anemia?
Anemia can be prevented by consuming a diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate, as well as by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What is the process of red blood cell production called?
The process of red blood cell production is called erythropoiesis.