How are the red blood cells produced in the body, and what might stimulate this process?

What will be an ideal response?


The red blood cells are produced in the red marrow of the bones. Here the immature cells produce large amounts of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin molecules push the nucleus and other organelles out of the cell. The erythrocytes can now leave the red marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. The total life span of a red blood cell is about 120 days, and it travels approximately 100 kilometers. Red blood cell production usually equals red blood cell destruction. After the oxygen supply to the cells decreases, more red blood cells are produced to compensate for this deficit. A wound or blood donation also stimulates red cell production. The hormone erythropoietin is released from the kidney cells, and it travels to the marrow, causing both immature and mature cells to develop.

Biology & Microbiology

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The region between two adjacent Z lines is a

a. muscle fiber. b. sarcomere. c. tendon. d. ligament. e. myofibril.

Biology & Microbiology

You found the following plants growing on campus during a field trip: a small plant with a notable absence of root hairs; a short, stubby plant with an enlarged taproot; a tall annual herb with fungal strands extending from its roots; a low-growing

plant with nodules on the roots; and a woody shrub with an extensive fibrous root system. Based on this scenario, which plant is most likely a legume with nitrogen-fixing bacteria? A) The woody shrub with the fibrous root system B) The plant with the root nodules C) The plant with the enlarged taproot D) The annual herb with the fungal-root association E) The plant with no root hairs

Biology & Microbiology

A person reports to a clinic complaining of fever and abdominal pain. The abdomen is swollen, and blood tests indicate liver damage. A stool sample is examined under a microscope and found to contain eggs with a spine projecting from its surface. The indications are consistent with infection with

A) Ancylostoma duodenale. B) Enterobius vermicularis. C) Echinococcus granulosus. D) Schistosoma mansoni. E) Taenia solium.

Biology & Microbiology

After years of listening to loud music on headphones, the cilia on Bob's hair cells are damaged. What is the result?

A. Vestibular problems B. Vision problems C. Taste hallucinations D. Hearing loss

Biology & Microbiology