The principle energy source for mature red blood cells (RBCs) is:

a. The Krebs cycle
b. The hexose monophosphate pathway
c. ATP generated from anaerobic glycolysis
d. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) generated from aerobic glycolysis

ANS: C
Anaerobic glycolysis is the pathway by which 90% to 95% of glucose is metabolized in the red cell, and ATP is generated through this pathway. The hexose monophosphate pathway, through which aerobic glycolysis occurs, is the pathway that generates reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is essential to prevent oxidant injury to the red cell. The Krebs cycle is no longer operational in the mature RBC.

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