Explain how red blood cells are adapted to carry out their function?

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. To do so effectively, they have lots of adaptations: Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which is a molecule that reversibly binds to oxygen. Red blood cells have no nucleus, so that there is more room for haemoglobin in the cell. Red blood cells have a biconcave disc-like shape (it is thinner in the middle than at the edge) which increases the surface area. Red blood cells are very flexible which means they can pass through the narrow capillaries easily.Key word is explain, so must ensure that there is a link between identifying a feature/adaptation of a red blood cell and how this feature allows them to perform a specific function more effectively.

Answered by Francesca G. Science tutor

64171 Views

See similar Science GCSE tutors

Related Science GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What two products are produced when a metal and an acid are added together


How does blood circulate through the heart?


What are the stages of the Carbon Cycle? How are fossil fuels affecting CO2 levels?


First organisms on Earth were fully aquatic. About 460 mya a lineage of algae moved onto land and gradually adapted to air and soil. Name two evolutionary problems that first land plants faced when transitioning from water to land?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences