Scientists have developed a technique of inserting a drug into red blood cells taken from a patient - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 18
Scientists have developed a technique of inserting a drug into red blood cells taken from a patient. These cells are then returned to the patient’s bloodstream.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists have developed a technique of inserting a drug into red blood cells taken from a patient - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. phospholipids.
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Answer
Phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes, specifically forming a bilayer that encloses the cell. When a drug is inserted into red blood cells, it is likely to be enveloped by phospholipids due to their hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, allowing the drug to be efficiently transported within the bloodstream.
Step 2
B. carbohydrates.
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Carbohydrates play an important role in cell recognition and signaling, but they do not form the structural basis for a membrane. As such, while carbohydrates can be associated with cell membranes, they do not enclose drugs within red blood cells.
Step 3
C. phosphates.
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Phosphates are often involved in energy transfer, such as in ATP, and are components of nucleic acids. However, they do not form the structure needed to enclose a drug in red blood cells.
Step 4
D. proteins.
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Proteins serve various functions within the cell, including transportation and enzymatic activities, but they do not primarily serve to enclose substances in a manner comparable to phospholipid membranes.
