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Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
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Cell-surface receptors, also known as transmembrane receptors, are cell surface, membrane-anchored (integral) proteins that bind to external ligand molecules. This type of receptor spans the plasma membrane and performs signal transduction, converting an extracellular signal into an intracellular signal. Ligands that interact with cell-surface receptors do not have to enter the cell that they affect. Cell-surface receptors are also called cell-specific proteins or markers because they are...
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A cell's plasma membrane demarcates the cell's borders and determines the nature of its interaction with the environment. Cells exclude certain substances, take in others, and excrete some others in controlled quantities. The plasma membrane must be flexible to allow certain cells, such as red and white blood cells, to change their shape while passing through narrow capillaries. These are the more obvious plasma membrane functions. In addition, the plasma membrane's surface carries markers that...
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A key characteristic of life is the ability to separate the external environment from the internal space. To do this, cells have evolved semi-permeable membranes that regulate the passage of biological molecules. Additionally, the cell membrane defines a cell’s shape and interactions with the external environment. Eukaryotic cell membranes also serve to compartmentalize the internal space into organelles, including the endomembrane structures of the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
11:31

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols

Published on: January 2, 2013

Functions of red cell surface proteins.

G Daniels1

  • 1Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK. geoff.daniels@nbs.nhs.uk

Vox Sanguinis
|December 12, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Red blood cell surface proteins are crucial for blood groups and have diverse functions, including transport and structure. Their evolutionary significance and the impact of genetic variations are still being explored.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Red blood cells (RBCs) possess a complex external membrane rich in proteins.
  • These membrane proteins are vital, with many exhibiting blood group activity and diverse functional roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To categorize RBC membrane proteins based on their functions.
  • To explore the known and surmised functions of these proteins.
  • To investigate the role of protein polymorphisms in blood groups and their evolutionary significance.

Main Methods:

  • Functional categorization of RBC membrane proteins.
  • Analysis of protein structure and limited experimental data.
  • Review of existing literature on RBC surface proteins and blood group genetics.

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Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins
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Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins

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Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) for the Study of RNA-Protein Interactions: The IRE/IRP Example
12:44

Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) for the Study of RNA-Protein Interactions: The IRE/IRP Example

Published on: December 3, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
11:31

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols

Published on: January 2, 2013

Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins
10:07

Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins

Published on: March 17, 2023

Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) for the Study of RNA-Protein Interactions: The IRE/IRP Example
12:44

Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) for the Study of RNA-Protein Interactions: The IRE/IRP Example

Published on: December 3, 2014

Main Results:

  • RBC membrane proteins are classified into transporters, adhesion molecules/receptors, enzymes, and structural components.
  • Some proteins have multiple functions or specialized roles during erythropoiesis or under stress.
  • Polymorphisms in these proteins are the basis for blood groups, with evolutionary pressures and microbial interactions suggested as factors.

Conclusions:

  • RBC membrane proteins are functionally diverse, with roles extending beyond basic structure.
  • The biological significance of blood group polymorphisms and their population stability requires further investigation.
  • Pathogenic microorganisms likely influence the evolution and stability of RBC surface protein polymorphisms.