Red Blood Cells

Erythropoiesis is the process in which RBCs are synthesized. Vitamin B₁₂ is associated with both the extrensic and intrinsic pathways.

Hemoglobin The prefix heme or iron is responsible for O₂ transport, while globin is responsible for CO₂ transport. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein that makes blood red. Normal RBC concentration in adult males = 5.4 million/microliter of whole blood. In adult females RBC concentration = 4.8 million/microliter.

RBCs are basically concave, disc-shaped cells with a strong, flexible plasma membrane. ABO and Rh blood groups are mutual antigens defined by certain glycolipids in the RBC plasma membrane.

Hb/HemoglobinAlso known as RBC cytosol (intracellular fluid). RBCs have no nucleus and cannot reproduce or otherwise engage in extensive metabolic processes.