Unlocking the Secrets of Red Blood Cells: What Scientists Have Discovered
Recently, scientists have been able to uncover the secrets behind the incredible properties of red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and are incredibly resilient and flexible. By using sophisticated imaging techniques, scientists have discovered how RBCs are able to change shape and navigate through the body’s vessels. They have found that the thin walls of the RBC are made up of a type of protein called spectrin, which is arranged in a mesh-like structure that allows the cell to deform and move. This protein helps the cell to bend and twist to fit into narrow passages, and to survive the shear forces of the bloodstream. The discovery of the role of spectrin provides new insights into how RBCs function and could lead to new treatments for diseases and disorders that affect the circulatory system.
source: Phys.org