red blood cell Flashcards
1
Q
what is the structure of the red blood cell?
A
it has haemoglobin, which binds reversibly with oxygen. it also does not have a nucleus and has a biconcave shape. it is also has an elastic and flexible cell membrane
2
Q
what is the function of these structural adaptations?
A
haemoglobin will be able to transport oxygen to the body, and having no nucleus will allow for more haemoglobin to be packed inside. the bioconcave shape increases the surface area to volume ratio, increase rate of diffusion. the red blood cell will also be able to change shape while squeezing into capillaries
