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Multiple Choice

What is the N:C ratio of a rubriblast?

In rubriblasts the nucleus dominates the cell. The nucleus is large with only a small amount of cytoplasm, giving a very high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, about eight to one. The chromatin is fine and the cell appears basophilic due to RNA-rich cytoplasm, though the cytoplasm itself is still scant. As erythroid maturation continues, the cytoplasm expands and hemoglobin synthesis begins, so the N:C ratio decreases through stages (roughly to 6:1, then 4:1, and later 2:1). This high ratio in the rubriblast helps distinguish it from later erythroid precursors on smears.

In rubriblasts the nucleus dominates the cell. The nucleus is large with only a small amount of cytoplasm, giving a very high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, about eight to one. The chromatin is fine and the cell appears basophilic due to RNA-rich cytoplasm, though the cytoplasm itself is still scant. As erythroid maturation continues, the cytoplasm expands and hemoglobin synthesis begins, so the N:C ratio decreases through stages (roughly to 6:1, then 4:1, and later 2:1). This high ratio in the rubriblast helps distinguish it from later erythroid precursors on smears.