Metabolism & Function of Erythrocytes and Homeostasis of Iron

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the metabolism and function of erythrocytes, as well as the homeostasis of iron, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Embden-Meyerhof Pathway

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADPH in the process.

G-6-PD

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme important in the pentose phosphate pathway.

Hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve

A curve that describes the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the percentage of hemoglobin saturation with oxygen.

P50

The partial pressure of oxygen at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen, typically around 27 mm Hg.

Sigmoid shape

The characteristic S-shape of the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve.

2,3-BPG

2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, a molecule that decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Left shift

A shift in the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve indicating increased affinity for oxygen.

Right shift

A shift in the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve indicating decreased affinity for oxygen.

Extravascular hemolysis

The destruction of erythrocytes primarily in the spleen after their lifespan of about 120 days.

Intravascular hemolysis

The destruction of erythrocytes within the blood circulation.

Bilirubin

A breakdown product of heme, which is conjugated in the liver and excreted in bile.

Haptoglobin

A plasma protein that binds free hemoglobin released from destroyed erythrocytes.

Hemopexin

A plasma protein that binds excess free heme to facilitate its clearance from the circulation.

Methemalbumin

A complex formed when free heme binds to albumin.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, leading to a decrease in pH.

Albumin

A protein in the blood that carries unconjugated bilirubin and maintains oncotic pressure.

Glucuronyl transferase

An enzyme that conjugates bilirubin to glucuronic acid in the liver.

Urobilinogen

A byproduct of bilirubin metabolism, which can be excreted in urine or feces.