How do white blood cells differ from red blood cells?

Red blood cells have a biconcave shape and an absence of a nucleus in order to increase the area for which it can carry oxygen around the body and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which helps carry the o2 and gives them the red colouring. They are part of the cardiovascular system. White blood cells, however, work as part of the immune system. They do contain a nucleus, they are also larger, and they work to fight illness and disease. They are the defence mechanism against foreign bodies. They attack and destroy the pathogen on entering the body, there are two main types: phagocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes. They are part of the lymphatic system. They are both produced in the bone marrow.

IW
Answered by India W. Biology tutor

8170 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is diffusion and how is it different from osmosis?


Describe what happens to fish protein in the human stomach.


Compare the advantages and disadvantages of light and electron microscopes.


What features differ between animal and plant cells?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning