Question 1

Which structural feature of erythrocytes increases their surface area to volume ratio, thereby enhancing gas exchange efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Biconcave shape

Question 2

What is the primary function of the protein spectrin in erythrocytes?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the shape and flexibility of the cell

Question 3

Which of the following statements about erythrocytes is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

They use mitochondria to make their own ATP.

Question 4

Compared to most other body cells, erythrocytes:

Accepted Answer

Are biconcave and lack a nucleus.

Question 5

Why do erythrocytes lack most organelles, including the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

To maximize space for hemoglobin and improve gas transport.

Question 6

Which protein is responsible for the oxygen-carrying capacity of erythrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin

Question 7

A patient’s erythrocytes are found to be less flexible than normal. Which protein is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Spectrin

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why erythrocytes are smaller than most other body cells?

Accepted Answer

To fit through narrow capillaries and maximize gas exchange

Question 9

If an erythrocyte were to contain a nucleus, which function would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transport of oxygen

Question 10

Which equation best represents the relationship between surface area (SA) and volume (V) for a biconcave erythrocyte, and why is this relationship important?

Accepted Answer

$$SA:V = \frac{SA}{V}$$; a higher ratio increases efficiency of gas exchange.

Question 11

During a blood smear analysis, which feature would help you distinguish erythrocytes from most other body cells?

Accepted Answer

Biconcave shape and lack of nucleus

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct consequence of erythrocytes lacking mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

They rely on anaerobic glycolysis for ATP production.

Question 13

A mutation in the spectrin gene would most likely result in which clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased erythrocyte flexibility and increased risk of hemolysis

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of hemoglobin in erythrocytes?

Accepted Answer

It binds and transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Question 15

If erythrocytes were coated with organelles and flexible proteins like most other body cells, which function would be most compromised?

Accepted Answer

Efficient gas exchange

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of erythrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Contain a nucleus and organelles

Question 17

A patient presents with anemia due to abnormal erythrocyte shape. Which protein is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Spectrin

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why erythrocytes are not coated with organelles and flexible proteins like most other body cells?

Accepted Answer

To maximize space for hemoglobin and facilitate gas exchange

Question 19

Which of the following is the most efficient way for erythrocytes to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Through their biconcave shape and lack of organelles

Question 20

A blood sample reveals cells that are larger than 15 μm, round, and contain a nucleus. What type of cell is this most likely NOT?

Accepted Answer

Erythrocyte

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

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