The mature erythrocyte

Question

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Mature erythrocytes do not have mitochondria, so they are unable to use fatty acids as a source of energy. Instead, they rely on glucose, which is converted to NADPH via the HMP shunt. This NADPH is used to maintain cellular reduction potential and to protect erythrocyte membranes from oxidative damage. Erythrocytes do produce bisphosphoglycerate (DPG), but this is primarily synthesized via the Rapoport-Luebering shunt, not the HMP shunt. Mature erythrocytes also do not synthesize proteins, as they have lost their nucleus and other organelles during maturation. Finally, erythrocytes contain virtually no endoplasmic reticulum, as their main function is to transport oxygen, not to synthesize or secrete proteins.

The Mature Erythrocyte