Question

The process of formation of RBCs is called
A. Pathogenesis
B. Erythropoiesis
C. Glycogenesis
D. None of the above

Answer 1

RBCs or Red blood cells or Red blood corpuscles are also known as erythrocytes. They are biconcave in shape. RBCs are composed of haemoglobin and cytoplasm. They do not have any membrane-bound organelles present in them.

Complete answer:
a) The word pathogenesis is made up of two words, ‘Patho’ meaning pathogen, and ‘genesis’ meaning formation. Therefore, pathogenesis is the formation of pathogens. It is the process of the formation of diseases in any organism.
b) Erythropoiesis: The word erythropoiesis is made up of two words, ‘Erythro’ meaning erythrocytes or red blood cells, and ‘poiesis’ meaning formation. Therefore, erythropoiesis is termed as the process of the formation of red blood cells. It takes about 72 hours for the formation of new RBCs. Moreover, vitamin B12 is required for the maturation of the RBCs.
c) Glycogenesis: The word glycogenesis is made up of two words, Glyco meaning ‘Glycogen’, and ‘genesis’ meaning formation. Therefore, glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen from glucose. This process occurs in the liver and it is carried out by the Insulin hormone.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that the process of formation of RBCs is called erythropoiesis.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: RBCs are formed in the bone marrow in the adults and in the liver and spleen of the fetus. In the case of an embryo up to two months, RBCs are derived from the placenta or the yolk sac, or the mesoderm. RBCs are destroyed in the liver and spleen of the adults and the bone marrow of the fetus. The destruction of the RBCs is known as erythrolysis.