Preface

Erythrocytes are unique cells with characteristic structure and functions. As mature erythrocytes lack all the cell organelles, they have evolved distinct mechanisms of survival. This book examines some of the less-explored facets of erythrocytes in terms of their functions, diseases, and diagnostic markers.

The first section on erythrocyte functions introduces the characteristic attributes of erythrocytes as indicators of continually transforming conditions in their microenvironment. The second section on erythrocyte diseases gives insights into types of thalassemia and congenital defects due to membrane-related impairment.

I wish to thank Author Service Manager Maja Bozicevic and the rest of the team at IntechOpen for all their support throughout the publication process. I also acknowledge the authors for their excellent contributions as well as the chapter reviewers for their time and suggestions.

> **Vani Rajashekaraiah** Department of Biotechnology, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore, India

**1**

Section 1

Erythrocytes - Functions

Section 1
