Question

Loss of membrane blebs in hereditary spherocytosis renders RBCs round (spherocytes) instead of disc-shaped. What is the effect of loss of membrane blebs in hereditary spherocytosis on the shape of RBCs?

1) They become round (spherocytes)
2) They become disc-shaped
3) They become elongated
4) They become irregularly shaped

Answer 1

The effect of loss of membrane blebs in hereditary spherocytosis on the shape of RBCs is that they become round, or spherocytes. This results from the alteration of the cell membrane structure, differing from the sickle-shaped cells found in sickle cell anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In hereditary spherocytosis, the loss of membrane blebs causes red blood cells (RBCs) to become round (spherocytes) rather than maintaining their normal disc shape. Hereditary spherocytosis is a condition that affects the cell membrane of erythrocytes, leading to a loss of membrane surface area and a characteristic round shape. This contrasts with sickle cell anemia, another genetic disorder, where RBCs become crescent or sickle-shaped due to the abnormal aggregation of hemoglobin molecules.

Normally, erythrocytes are biconcave discs, which allows them to optimize the ratio of surface area to volume for efficient gas exchange and enables them to fold up as they move through narrow blood vessels. This flexibility is compromised both in hereditary spherocytosis and sickle cell anemia, leading to various problems including anemia, obstruction of blood flow, and other complications.