Final answer:
Oxidative stress, particularly from hydrogen peroxide, affects red blood cells by decreasing their lifespan, resulting in oxidative damage to cellular components and contributing to conditions like anemia and the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oxidative stress imposed on red blood cells (RBCs) by agents like H₂O₂ can have a significant impact on the health and lifespan of these cells. When RBCs are exposed to oxidative agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, it can lead to a decrease in their lifespan. This is due to oxidative damage to cellular components, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, which can affect the RBC's structure and function.
Oxidative stress can lead to the excessive destruction of RBCs through processes such as hemolysis, resulting in anemia. In certain cases, such as sickle cell anemia, the lifespan of RBCs is greatly reduced, leading to symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Moreover, oxidative stress can contribute to the conversion of normal hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which is incapable of carrying oxygen effectively, potentially leading to further complications.
Additionally, oxidative stress is a major contributor to the aging process and has been linked to various age-related diseases. Therefore, it is clear that oxidative stress, particularly from hydrogen peroxide, can have negative implications for RBC health, and thus, the correct answer to the initial question is that oxidative stress leads to a decreased lifespan of RBCs.