Electron microscopic study of hemolysis: A proposal of formation of a weak structural region in the erythrocyte membrane

Numerous theories have been advanced to explain the erythrocyte shape in terms of membrane structure. One of the most controversial points has been whether the erythrocyte membrane is a uniform shell. Electron microscopy studies of erythrocytes undergoing osmotic lysis show that the release of hemoglobin is confined to one large area, suggesting that this area is more fragile structurally than that of the rest of the surface membrane. Hypotheses are presented to explain the formation of structurally weak areas on the erythrocyte membrane.