How are red blood cells well adapted to their function?

Firstly red blood cells have very few organelles, losing many of them such as the nucleus in order to maximise the amount of haemoglobin they can hold. Furthermore they are relitavely thin meaning they have a high surface area to volume ratio so that they can maximise oxygen absorption. Finally red blood cells have a biconcaved shape making them more flexible so that they can squeeze through the smaller blood vessels such as the capillaries and carry oxygen to the extrimities of the body.

AT

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

how is an ation potential generated?


What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?


Outline the key structural differences between mRNA and DNA molecules and how do these contribute to their different functions?


What are the features of ATP which lead it to being termed the 'universal currency' of the cell?