Question

What could cause destruction (hemolysis) of RBC?

a) Increased oxygen levels
b) Bacterial infection
c) Adequate hydration
d) Reduced temperature

Answer 1

Hemolysis of RBCs can be caused by bacterial infections, metabolic disorders, immune reactions, and mechanical damage, along with specific diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which alter the shape or function of RBCs leading to their premature destruction. Option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hemolysis, or the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), can be caused by various factors. One such factor is a bacterial infection, which can produce toxins or induce an immune response that leads to the breakdown of RBCs. Other causes of hemolysis can include metabolic disorders, immune reactions, and mechanical damage. Increased oxygen levels, adequate hydration, and reduced body temperature do not typically cause hemolysis. In fact, conditions such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia can also lead to RBC destruction due to the abnormal shapes or defects in hemoglobin that impede their normal function and result in premature breakdown.

A crucial factor in maintaining the integrity of RBCs is their ability to produce ATP via glycolysis, which is essential for the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme. Disruption in ATP production can lead to an increase in intracellular sodium, causing the cells to swell with water and eventually lyse, releasing their contents including hemoglobin. This can result in hemolytic anemia as well as jaundice due to increased plasma bilirubin levels. Option b.

Answer 2

Hemolysis can be caused by bacterial infection, metabolic deficiencies, and physical or chemical damage. Increased oxygen levels, adequate hydration, and reduced temperature are not considered direct causes of RBC destruction. Diseases like sickle cell anemia also contribute to hemolysis. So, the correct option is b) Bacterial infection

Step-by-step explanation:

Causes of Hemolysis

Hemolysis, or the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), can be caused by numerous factors.

Bacterial infection is one known cause. When RBCs are attacked by bacteria or their toxins, the cell membranes can be damaged leading to lysis.

Other causes include metabolic deficiencies affecting the RBCs' ability to produce ATP, needed for maintaining ionic balance, and physical or chemical damage to the RBCs. Increased oxygen levels generally do not cause hemolysis, adequate hydration is essential for normal RBC function and reduced temperature may cause a shift in the oxygen dissociation curve but does not directly cause hemolysis.

Moreover, diseases such as sickle cell anemia and lupus erythematosus can also lead to the destruction of red blood cells.

The structural abnormalities or immune-mediated damage in these conditions can significantly impair the RBCs' function and survival.

In addition, placing RBCs in a hypotonic solution leads to swelling and lysis due to osmotic imbalance.

Therefore, the correct option is b) Bacterial infection