MadSci Network: Biochemistry
Query:

Re: Does glycolysis take place in blood that has been extracted from the body?

Date: Sat Jun 12 16:29:57 1999
Posted By: Jeffrey Stiefel, Ph.D, U.S. Army
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 927540491.Bc
Message:

Dear Mackie,
  As you know, erythrocytes do not contain a nucleus and have a limited 
life span in the body or out. However, glycolysis will continue to occur 
in erythrocytes for a period of time after removal from the body until 
glucose is no longer available. As for an exact time period, I can't help 
you with that as there are too may variables. Example - how much glucose 
is in the plasma; temperature at which the cells are stored: Ion 
concentrations to help drive the glucose receptor(NA,K pump), amount of 
ATP available (energy). As with many cells removed from their original 
source, as long as you can furnish them with appropriate nutrients and 
growth conditions, the cells will continue to survive for extended periods 
(such as cells grown in tissue culture).

                                Jeffrey Stiefel



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