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The structure of Red Blood Cells (or
"erythrocytes") is
summarised as follows: |
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Immature erythrocytes have a nucleus but mature
erythrocytes have no nucleus. |
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Haem
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Erythrocytes have a "prosthetic group" (meaning "in
addition to" - in this case, in addition to the cell).
The active component of this prosthetic group is Haem.
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Haem relies on the presence of iron (Fe).
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Haem combines with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin.
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Erythrocytes are eventually broken down by the spleen into
the blood pigments bilinubin and bilviridin, and iron. These
components are then transported by the blood to the liver where
the iron is re-cycled for use by new erythrocytes, and the
blood pigments form bile salts. (Bile breaks down fats.)
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Have a longevity of approx. 120 days.
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There are approx. 4.5 - 5.8 million erythrocytes per micro-litre
of healthy blood (though there are variations between racial
groups and men/women).
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The functions of Red Blood Cells (or "erythrocytes") include: |
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Transporting oxygen around the body.
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