Study With Me : Introduction to Blood Transfusion 28

Question 155:

What are the characteristics of red cells (erythrocytes)?

The answer: Red cells are non-nucleated, biconcave discs with a characteristic red color due to the pigment haemoglobin.

Question 156:

What gives the characteristic red color to oxygenated blood?

The answer: Oxygenated blood appears bright red due to the pigment haemoglobin in red cells.

Question 157:

What is the color of deoxygenated blood?

The answer: Deoxygenated blood loses its bright red color and becomes a dull, dark red.

Question 158:

What is the composition of haemoglobin, the pigment in red cells?

The answer: Haemoglobin consists of four closely linked polypeptide chains (globin) attached to an iron-containing complex (haem).

Question 159:

What is the molecular mass of haemoglobin?

The answer: The molecular mass of haemoglobin is about 68,000 Da.