MCAT® ExamBiological and Biochemical Foundations of Living SystemsEasy
A patient is experiencing chronic fatigue, weight loss, and frequent infections. Blood tests reveal a significant decrease in the number of all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition is indicative of a problem in the production of these cells. Which of the following biological processes is most likely impaired in this patient?
- AHematopoiesis
- BLipogenesis
- CGluconeogenesis
- DGlycogenesis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Hematopoiesis
Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation, which includes the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A decrease in all these cell types directly indicates an impairment in this process.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Lipogenesis is the metabolic process by which fat is produced.
- C. Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors.
- D. Glycogenesis is the synthesis of glycogen from glucose.
Hematopoiesis
The process of blood cell formation from hematopoietic stem cells, occurring primarily in the bone marrow.
- Produces all types of blood cells.
- Involves myeloid and lymphoid lineages.
- Regulated by growth factors and cytokines.
- Occurs in bone marrow in adults.
Memory trick: Hema-tells-you-poiesis: Blood Cell Making Bliss