17. The Blood

Why is it important for erythrocytes to have a high surface area to volume ratio?

How many heme groups are required to synthesize 4 hemoglobin molecules?

Cynthia lives in Miami, a city at low altitude. She goes on a month-long trip to the Andes Mountain range (at high altitude) where the air pressure is lower and therefore there is less oxygen in each breath she takes. Upon returning to Miami, how might a sample of her blood differ from a sample taken before she left for her trip?

Anemia is a blood disorder where the $O_2$-carrying capacity of blood is too low to support the body's tissues. Which of the following is not a possible cause of anemia?

Dehydration would:

(a) Cause an increase in the hematocrit

(b) Cause a decrease in the hematocrit

(c) Have no effect on the hematocrit

(d) Cause an increase in plasma volume

Anemia is defined as:

a. A decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

b. A decreased iron content of the blood.

c. Decreased bone marrow function.

d. Abnormalities in hemoglobin.

Predict how abnormal hemoglobin proteins that contain only two iron ions, instead of four, would affect homeostasis.

Mr. Jackson presents to the emergency room with a minor wound that has bled for several days. An examination of his medical history reveals that Mr. Jackson has hemophilia A, which is caused by a deficiency of factor VIII. Your co-worker suggests that you give Mr. Jackson some platelets to stop the bleeding. Will this help your patient? Why or why not?