Study With Me : Introduction to Blood Transfusion 28
SECTION 1 : Haematology
Questions and Answers
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.