What is the significance of hemoglobin's interaction with ankyrin in red blood cells?

A Maintaining the structure of the red blood cell membrane ✓
B Facilitating the transport of oxygen to tissues
C Regulating the binding of carbon dioxide to hemoglobin
D Enhancing the antioxidant properties of hemoglobin

Explanation

Hemoglobin's interaction with ankyrin helps maintain the structure of the red blood cell membrane by anchoring the spectrin-actin cytoskeleton to the membrane.

Source

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Hematology Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high