Final answer:
The approximate weight of hemoglobin contained in a single red blood cell, calculated from the given concentration, is around 340 picograms, which is not one of the provided answer choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the weight of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell (erythrocyte), we first take the given mean concentration of hemoglobin in RBCs, which is 34g/dL. Since 1 deciliter (dL) is equal to 100 milliliters (mL), and 1 mL of blood has about 1 trillion (1 x 1012) RBCs, we can calculate the total amount of hemoglobin per cell.
First, let's find the weight of hemoglobin per mL:
- 34g/dL = 34g/100mL
- 34g / 100 mL = 0.34g/mL
Now, since there are approximately 1 trillion RBCs per mL, we can find the weight of hemoglobin per RBC:
- Weight of hemoglobin per RBC = (0.34g/mL) / (1 x 1012 RBCs/mL)
- Weight of hemoglobin per RBC = 0.34 x 10-12 g/RBC
- Weight of hemoglobin per RBC = 340 x 10-15 g/RBC
Since the weight of hemoglobin is given in picograms (pg), and 1g = 1 x 1012 pg, we can convert the weight into picograms:
- Weight of hemoglobin per RBC = 340 pg/RBC
Finally, when considering the volume of RBC as provided (87 micro m3), and knowing that a single erythrocyte can contain approximately 300 million hemoglobin molecules, the average volume or mass isn't directly influencing the calculation of the weight of hemoglobin per RBC, since we've already determined the hemoglobin weight based on concentration and count. Therefore, the approximate weight of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell is 340 picograms, which is not one of the options provided, suggesting a possible discrepancy in the question or the options presented.