Final answer:
In erythropoietin, the root 'poiet' means 'making or producing,' referring to the hormone's role in stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root 'poiet' in erythropoietin (EPO) refers to the action of making or producing. Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the kidneys when oxygen levels in the blood are low. This hormone stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells (RBCs).
Consequently, more RBCs increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, helping to rectify the oxygen deficiency. Athletes have used synthetic EPO, known as blood doping, to enhance performance by increasing their RBC counts and oxygen delivery; however, this is banned in organized sports due to associated health risks. Medically, EPO is used to treat certain types of anemia where increasing the count of erythrocytes can be beneficial.