Final answer:
Hemolysis is the breakdown of erythrocytes (red blood cells) which leads to the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream. It can be caused by various diseases or during mismatched blood transfusions and can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When hemolysis occurs, the blood components that are disintegrated are the erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells. During hemolysis, the erythrocytes burst open and release their contents into the bloodstream. This process results in the release of hemoglobin, a heme-containing globular protein, into circulation. Hemolysis can be caused by various conditions such as sickle-cell disease, lupus erythematosus, or can result from a transfusion of mismatched blood type or during erythroblastosis fetalis. The breakdown of erythrocytes can potentially lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, as the hemoglobin released overwhelms the kidneys' capacity to filter it out of the blood.