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.

Answered by India W. Biology tutor

5313 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name 3 differences in the structure or function of phloem and xylem vessels.


Explain how a mutation in the genetic code leads to a dysfunctional enzyme.


Panama is a strip of land that has separated the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea for the past 3 million years. Explain how two different species of pistol shrimp could have developed from an ancestral species of shrimp


What are the word and chemical equations for photosynthesis?


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