Erythrocytes (commonly known as red blood cells (RBCs)), are the specialized form of blood cell that facilitates oxygen transport and carbon dioxide removal within the bloodstream. These cells are adapted to these twin functions, with unique structural features that serve to optimize their function in oxygen exchange and maintain organismal respiration. Erythrocytes have a biconcave disc cell shape, providing them with a large surface area-to-volume ratio promoting gas exchange. They have a flexible and resilient cytoskeleton made up of proteins, including spectrin, actin, and other associated proteins. The spectrin network provides structural support and maintains the shape of the cell, whilst interaction between spectrin and actin filaments allows red blood cells to change shape whilst retaining their biconcave form. This shape facilitates the efficient exchange of gases across their cell membranes. Unlike most cells, RBCs lack a nucleus and most organelles, including mitochondria. This allows them to allocate more space for haemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen binding and transport. Haemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in abundance within erythrocytes, constituting about one-third of their total mass. Each haemoglobin molecule consists of four protein subunits (globulins), each of which is bound to a heme group. The heme groups contain iron ions that bind to oxygen molecules, allowing each haemoglobin molecule to transport up to four oxygen molecules. Haemoglobin also aids in the transport of carbon dioxide, which binds to different sites on the protein. Erythrocytes are specialized for oxygen transport. As blood circulates through the lungs, oxygen diffuses into the RBCs, where it binds to haemoglobin forming oxyhaemoglobin. In tissues with lower oxygen concentrations, oxyhaemoglobin releases its oxygen, enabling it to diffuse into cells for ATP production. Erythrocytes also play a role in carbon dioxide removal. Carbon dioxide generated as a waste product in cells diffuses into the bloodstream and is transported by erythrocytes. Within RBCs, carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate ions, which are transported to the lungs for exhalation. The biconcave shape of erythrocytes allows them to be flexible and deformable, enabling them to squeeze through narrow capillaries and maintain smooth blood flow. The plasma membrane of red blood cells is highly flexible due to its composition and organization. The lipid bilayer is stabilized by cholesterol molecules, which help maintain membrane fluidity and flexibility. This flexibility enables red blood cells to deform as they pass through narrow capillaries without rupturing. This feature is essential for delivering oxygen to tissues in various parts of the body. The lifespan of a typical erythrocyte is around 120 days. After this period, the aging or damaged cells are removed by macrophages in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The components of haemoglobin, including iron, are recycled, whilst the remaining cellular components are broken down and eliminated. The production of erythrocytes is regulated by erythropoietin, produced primarily by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce new erythrocytes, maintaining an adequate number to support oxygen transport. We provide a wide product range of research reagents for investigating erythrocytes, including EPO antibodies, EPB41 antibodies, Erythropoietin (EPO) antibodies, Erythropoietin (EPO) ELISA Kits, and Hepcidin ELISA Kits. Explore our full erythrocytes product range below and discover more, for less.