Lecture on Hemoglobin and Blood Cells

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to blood cells, particularly focusing on red blood cells, hemoglobin, oxygen transport, and associated physiological processes.

Erythrocyte

Another name for a red blood cell.

Anaerobic

Processes that occur without oxygen.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and contains iron.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that, when folded properly, becomes a functional protein.

Conformational Change

A change in the shape of a protein that is critical for its function.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, playing a key role in maintaining pH.

Cooperative Binding

The process in which the binding of one oxygen molecule to hemoglobin increases the likelihood of additional oxygen molecules binding.

Bicarbonate

A key buffer in the blood that maintains pH balance.

Vasodilator

A substance that increases the diameter of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an increase in acidity of the body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in the alkalinity of the body fluids.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

Reticulocyte

An immature red blood cell that has lost its organelles.

Leukocyte

A white blood cell that is part of the immune system.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cell that contains granules which are released during an immune response.

Agranulocyte

A type of white blood cell without granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, typically found on pathogens.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

A set of molecules displayed on cell surfaces that help the immune system recognize foreign substances.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to deform and obstruct blood flow.

Myoglobin

A protein in muscle cells that carries oxygen; has a higher affinity for oxygen than hemoglobin.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production.

Nitric Oxide

A signaling molecule that serves as a vasodilator and is important in regulating blood pressure.

Stercobilin

A pigment that gives feces its brown color, derived from bilirubin.

Urobilin

A pigment that gives urine its yellow color, derived from bilirubin.

Bilirubin

A yellow compound that is a breakdown product of heme; it becomes bilirubin after being processed by the liver.