B4.1 the blood Flashcards
what are red blood cells role
to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body
what chemical do red blood cells contain
haemoglobin
what is the haemoglobin for
it carries oxygen
what is haemoglobin called when full of oxygen
oxyhaemoglobin
do red blood cells have nucleus
no, so there is more space for haemoglobin and oxygen
what shape are red blood cells and why
biconcave disk, gives them large surface area for absorbing oxygen
do white blood cells have nucleus
yes
what is the white blood cells job
to fight infection
how do the white blood cells fight infection and what is the process called
by engulfing the bacteria and dissolving them with enzymes- phagocytosis
what chemicals do white blood cells produce
antitoxins- neutralise toxins that the pathogens produce
antibodies- bind onto pathogens and destroy them
what are antitoxins
chemicals to destroy the poisons produced by the bacteria
what are platelets
small fragments of cells with no nucleus
what do platelets do
clotting- patch up wounds
why do we need platlets
to stop us bleeding to death
to stop microorganisms from getting in and causing infection
what is plasma
a pale liquid which makes the blood watery
