Structure of the erythrocyte membrane

: A short survey is given about the components and the structure of the human erythrocyte membrane. The dominating transmembrane proteins, the anion exchange protein as a main constituent of the intramembranous particles and as an anchoring site of the membrane skeleton, and the glycophorin A as the main component of the glycocalyx are discussed in particular. The structure of the membrane skeleton, its binding sites at the inner membrane aspect as well as the nature of the junctions of that network and the functions of the membrane skeleton are spoken about.