Spherocytosis is a defect associated with a defective cytoskeletal protein in red blood cells. What do you suspect is one consequence of defective cytoskeletal proteins in red blood cells?
A) a lack of oxygen- transporting proteins in the cell
B) adhering of blood cells to blood- vessel walls, causing the formation of plaque
C) insufficient energy supply in the cell
D) abnormal cell shape

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Defective cytoskeletal proteins in red blood cells can cause the cells to have an abnormal shape, specifically a sphere-like shape instead of the normal biconcave disc shape. The loss of the biconcave disc shape reduces deformability, increasing the risk of cell destruction by the spleen, leading to anemia.

Spherocytosis Is a Defect Associated with a Defective Cytoskeletal Protein