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BIOL 252 Module 1 – Questions and Answers with Complete
Solutions UPDATED!!!
1) Describe the physical characteristics and functions of blood. -
ANSWER Blood is a fluid connective tissue with formed
elements (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) in plasma. It is viscous, slightly
alkaline (pH 7.35-7.45), ~100.4°F, ~8% of body weight.
Functions: transportation, defense, and homeostasis.
2) Define each of the formed elements, how they are produced,
and their functions. - ANSWER RBCs carry O₂ and some CO₂;
WBCs defend against pathogens; platelets aid clotting.
Produced in red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells.
3) Identify the components of plasma and their functions. -
ANSWER ~92% water, plus proteins (albumin for osmotic
balance, globulins for immunity, fibrinogen for clotting) and
other dissolved substances.
4) Describe the structure and function of erythrocytes, as well
as the role of hemoglobin. - ANSWER Biconcave, no organelles,
flexible; maximize hemoglobin for O₂ transport and CO₂ return;
shape allows gas exchange efficiency.
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5) Discuss disorders associated with erythrocytes, including
causes, symptoms, and treatments. - ANSWER Anemia: ↓ RBCs
or hemoglobin; causes fatigue, shortness of breath. Types:
microcytic (iron deficiency), macrocytic (B12 deficiency),
normochromic. Treated based on cause.
6) Explain the life cycle of erythrocytes. - ANSWER Made in red
bone marrow; need nutrients like iron, B vitamins; live ~120
days; removed by macrophages; hemoglobin broken down, iron
reused, heme → bilirubin → bile.
7) Describe how erythrocytes and leukocytes differ. - ANSWER
RBCs: small, no nucleus, transport gases, live ~120 days. WBCs:
larger, nucleated, immune functions, live hours to years, can
leave blood (diapedesis).
8) Define the major groups of leukocytes and their functions. -
ANSWER Granular: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils;
Agranular: monocytes → macrophages, lymphocytes. Roles in
immunity and defense.
BIOL 252 Module 1 – Questions and Answers with Complete
Solutions UPDATED!!!
1) Describe the physical characteristics and functions of blood. -
ANSWER Blood is a fluid connective tissue with formed
elements (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) in plasma. It is viscous, slightly
alkaline (pH 7.35-7.45), ~100.4°F, ~8% of body weight.
Functions: transportation, defense, and homeostasis.
2) Define each of the formed elements, how they are produced,
and their functions. - ANSWER RBCs carry O₂ and some CO₂;
WBCs defend against pathogens; platelets aid clotting.
Produced in red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells.
3) Identify the components of plasma and their functions. -
ANSWER ~92% water, plus proteins (albumin for osmotic
balance, globulins for immunity, fibrinogen for clotting) and
other dissolved substances.
4) Describe the structure and function of erythrocytes, as well
as the role of hemoglobin. - ANSWER Biconcave, no organelles,
flexible; maximize hemoglobin for O₂ transport and CO₂ return;
shape allows gas exchange efficiency.
, 2|Page
5) Discuss disorders associated with erythrocytes, including
causes, symptoms, and treatments. - ANSWER Anemia: ↓ RBCs
or hemoglobin; causes fatigue, shortness of breath. Types:
microcytic (iron deficiency), macrocytic (B12 deficiency),
normochromic. Treated based on cause.
6) Explain the life cycle of erythrocytes. - ANSWER Made in red
bone marrow; need nutrients like iron, B vitamins; live ~120
days; removed by macrophages; hemoglobin broken down, iron
reused, heme → bilirubin → bile.
7) Describe how erythrocytes and leukocytes differ. - ANSWER
RBCs: small, no nucleus, transport gases, live ~120 days. WBCs:
larger, nucleated, immune functions, live hours to years, can
leave blood (diapedesis).
8) Define the major groups of leukocytes and their functions. -
ANSWER Granular: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils;
Agranular: monocytes → macrophages, lymphocytes. Roles in
immunity and defense.
