Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Erythropoiesis
GS3
GS1
"The biological process by which red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in bone marrow"
Definition
The biological process by which red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in bone marrow
⭐ Significance for UPSC
Specialised science term that appears in pharmaceutical/biotech questions. For UPSC context: understand erythropoiesis as the process that HIF-PHI drugs stimulate — this is the mechanism behind Zydus' Desidustat. For GS-3 science questions: know that erythropoietin (EPO) is the hormone that drives erythropoiesis, and EPO doping is a major sports anti-doping issue. Do not confuse with haematopoiesis (all blood cell production).
Example / Context
Desidustat, a HIF-PHI class drug, treats anaemia in chronic kidney disease by stimulating erythropoiesis — increasing the body's natural production of red blood cells through the hypoxia pathway.
Mains GS Relevance
GS Paper 3
Economy, Environment, S&T, Security
GS Paper 1
History, Geography, Society
Subject