Fig. 3.1 presents erythroblasts at a greater magnification than is possible with a light microscope. Explain the advantages of using an electron microscope to obtain images like the one in Fig. 3.1.
Describe the differences between an erythroblast and a mature red blood cell.
Complete Table 3.1 by naming three organelles (cell structures) involved in synthesising a fully functional protein and stating one way in which each named organelle participates in protein synthesis.
The maturing red blood cell makes haemoglobin and other proteins.
Fig. 3.2 shows a reversible reaction occurring inside red blood cells. $\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$ Name the protein that catalyses the reaction shown in Fig. 3.2.
The $SPTB$ gene encodes a protein that stabilises and supports the red blood cell surface membrane. Mutations in $SPTB$ produce red blood cells with a spherical shape. This mutation causes a disease called spherocytosis type 2. Suggest why a person with spherocytosis type 2 has a reduced ability to take up oxygen in the pulmonary capillaries compared with a person who has normal red blood cells.
An increase in the water potential of blood plasma has a larger effect on red blood cells in people with spherocytosis type 2 than on normal red blood cells. Compare and explain the effects of an increase in the water potential of blood plasma on spherocytosis type 2 red blood cells and normal red blood cells.