Question

11-29 Anemia, a condition that results in individuals with a low red blood cell count, can be

caused by a number of factors. Why do individuals with defects in the spectrin protein
often have this condition?

Answer 1

Individuals with defects in the spectrin protein often have anemia because the spectrin protein is responsible for maintaining the shape and stability of red blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Individuals with defects in the spectrin protein often have anemia because the spectrin protein is responsible for maintaining the shape and stability of red blood cells.

Red blood cells are normally biconcave discs, which allows them to pass through narrow blood vessels and carry oxygen efficiently. However, defects in the spectrin protein can lead to abnormal red blood cell shape and fragility.

As a result, the misshapen and fragile red blood cells may break down more easily, resulting in a low red blood cell count and anemia.