Detail the life cycle of an erythrocyte, including the control of erythrocyte production
What will be an ideal response?
Erythrocytes survive only 120 days because they lack a nucleus. This means they cannot produce new proteins to repair worn-out cellular components, and their survival is limited to about four months. Erythropoiesis is the process by which RBCs are made in the bone marrow. The process is stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone made by the kidneys. EPO is released when the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. It targets bone marrow cells committed to becoming RBCs, causing them to proliferate and mature into RBCs. Once the oxygen-carrying capacity is returned to normal, EPO levels drop off.
You might also like to view...
Which is an alternate term for compact bone?
A. Cancellous bone B. Trabecular bone C. Spongy bone D. Diploe E. Cortical bone
The chemical reactions involving the three classes of energy-rich organic molecules are collectively known as ____________________ metabolism
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Hydrophilic molecules readily associate with
A) lipid molecules. B) hydrophobic molecules. C) water molecules. D) acids. E) salts.
How many moles of ATP are required to produce one mole of urea?
A) 1 B) 5 C) 10 D) 50