Erythrocytes

Question 1

What is the function of erythrocytes?

Answer 1

Erythrocytes transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from body cells.

Example sentence: RBCs deliver oxygen to tissues and pick up carbon dioxide waste.

Question 2

What allows RBCs to perform their function?

Answer 2

RBCs contain hemoglobin, an iron-based protein that binds with oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Hemoglobin gives blood its red color.

Question 3

What is the shape of RBCs?

Answer 3

RBCs are shaped like biconcave discs with raised edges and a flattened middle.

This shape provides a greater surface area for gas exchange.

Question 4

Why do RBCs lose their nucleus and organelles?

Answer 4

RBCs lose their nucleus and organelles to make more room for hemoglobin.

This allows RBCs to carry out their primary function more efficiently.

Question 5

What is the lifespan of an RBC?

Answer 5

The lifespan of an RBC is 105 to 120 days.

After this time, RBCs begin to fragment and are recycled or eliminated by the spleen and liver.