Final answer:
The principal fibrous protein in the red blood cell is spectrin, which supports the cell membrane. Plasmodium falciparum attaches to the red blood cells through glycoproteins, essential for cell recognition and parasite attachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal fibrous protein in the cortex of the red blood cell is spectrin, which provides structural support to the membrane. Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria, attaches to the red blood cells via glycoprotein structures present on the cell membrane. Glycoproteins are chains of carbohydrates attached to proteins that protrude from the cell surface and are known for their role in cell recognition and adhesion.
Fibrous proteins are typically insoluble and serve structural and protective functions in various tissues. In the context of red blood cells, they play a critical role in maintaining the flexibility and integrity of the cell membrane. As a result, they are fundamental in supporting the cell's resilience and shape as it travels through the circulatory system.
Regarding cellular recognition and invasion by pathogens, the malaria parasite specifically identifies and binds to certain glycoproteins located on the surface of red blood cells. This is an essential step in the parasite's life cycle and highlights the importance of membrane proteins in cellular interactions and infectious disease processes.