Final answer:
A defect in a glycolytic enzyme of RBCs usually refers to a deficiency in either glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) or pyruvate kinase (PK). G6PD is essential in the pentose phosphate pathway and its deficiency leads to hemolytic anemia. PK deficiency affects ATP production and RBC survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defect in glycolytic enzyme of red blood cells (RBCs) typically refers to a deficiency in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) or pyruvate kinase (PK). G6PD deficiency is the most common enzyme-deficiency disorder and is characterized by abnormally low levels of G6PD, which is crucial for maintaining the level of reducing energy in cells by way of the pentose phosphate pathway. A deficiency in PK, on the other hand, affects ATP production and thus the survival of red blood cells, making it the second most common cause of enzyme-deficient hemolytic anemia after G6PD deficiency.