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How is the structure of a red blood adapted to its function?

  1. Red blood cells are shaped like a biconcave disc - increases SA:volume ration -> increase surface for oxygen to diffuse in and out of cell

  2. Red blood cells are very small - 7um, compared with 40um average cell -> allows them to fit through capillaries, haemoglobin molecules close to surface -> quick oxygen exchange

  3. Red blood cells are flexible - able to deform to pass through very tight vessels

  4. Red blood cells have no nucleus/mitochodria/ER - more room for haemoglobin -> maximising oxygen carrying capacity

NB

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