Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion General Science Discussion Forum RBCs n half life of proteins

Red Blood Cells ..hw in the absence of nucleus they make/get/retain the various proteins required thru their life span of 120 days...half life of most enzymes being too short to survive the entire period..

regards
peace

The half life of proteins is mainly dependent on how quickly they are broken down by enzymes. Presumably when red blood cells are formed they lose these enzymes about the same time they lose their nucleous and (I think) their mitochondria.
The continual creation and break down of proteins allows their levels to be controlled by small changes to the balance between creation and degredation. It also helps remove damaged proteins.
If red blood cells do lose their mitachondria then the rate of protein damage should be much lower than normal cells, as the mitochondria leak free radicals which are the majour cause of damage.

is tht to say tht RBCs lose nucleus after they are ready wth the reptoire of proteins (both in numbers n their quantity) they will be needing fr their entire life span! then can we call them a 'dynamic entity..responding to situations' if they dont make fresh proteins but put proteins (already synthesised n stored!)into action!!!

peace