CFA - Erythrocytes: Hemoglobin

Which structural characteristic of erythrocytes significantly enhances their ability to transport gases throughout the body?

• Their large size compared to other cells
• Their biconcave shape
• Their rigid cellular membrane
• Their abundance of organelles

What is the primary role of spectrin in red blood cells?

• Production of ATP for cellular energy
• Storage of iron molecules
• Maintenance of cell shape and flexibility
• Transportation of oxygen molecules

How do erythrocytes differ from most other body cells in terms of their cellular components?

• They contain more mitochondria
• They have a larger nucleus
• They lack a nucleus and most organelles
• They have additional membrane proteins

What is the approximate size of an erythrocyte compared to most other body cells?

• About twice the size (~15 μm)
• About the same size (~25 μm)
• About half the size (~12.5 μm)
• About one-third the size (~7.5 μm)

Which of the following statements about erythrocytes is false?

• They use mitochondria to make their own ATP.
• They are smaller than the average body cell.
• Their shape is flexible.
• They don't have a nucleus.

Which of the following is most likely to occur if hemoglobin started to bind irreversibly?

• Your blood would circulate through your body slower.
• Your blood would circulate through your body faster.
• Your tissues would receive less oxygen.
• Your tissues would receive more oxygen.

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

• To provide structural support to the cell.
• To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• To produce energy for cellular activities
• To regulate blood pH levels

Approximately what percentage of a red blood cell's mass is composed of hemoglobin?

• 67%
• 77%
• 87%
• 97%

A patient has a mutation that causes their red blood cells to be sickle-shaped rather than round. How would this most likely affect oxygen transport?

• Sickle-shaped cells carry more oxygen because they are denser.
• The irregular shape increases surface area for oxygen exchange.
• The mutation enhances hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
• Sickle cells are less flexible, leading to blockages

If a person’s hemoglobin has an altered structure that decreases its affinity for oxygen, which of the following would most likely occur during physical activity?

• Oxygen delivery to muscles would increase due to faster hemoglobin unloading.
• The body would compensate by increasing white blood cell production.
• Oxygen would bind more tightly, reducing availability to tissues.
• Muscle fatigue would occur more quickly due to insufficient oxygen release.