Basophilic stippling refers to which one of the following?

Basophilic stippling is characterized by the presence of small, dark blue granules within the red blood cells (RBCs), which are remnants of ribosomal RNA. This condition often appears when there is abnormal erythropoiesis (the process of red blood cell formation) or in certain types of anemia, such as lead poisoning or thalassemia. The granules are indicative of aggregated ribosomes and reflect impaired maturation of the red blood cells.

In this context, recognizing that these stipples are comprised of RNA aggregates is critical. This feature serves as a useful diagnostic clue for clinicians and medical technologists in assessing various hematologic disorders.

Other options relate to different cellular components, like iron deposits that do not contribute to basophilic stippling, nor do they represent RNA aggregation. Additionally, increased hemoglobin synthesis and abnormal cell membrane structure address other mechanisms of RBC and hematologic function but do not specifically describe the phenomenon of basophilic stippling.