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

Answered by Norbert B. Biology tutor

12266 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the process of saltatory conduction and why is it important in the human nerve system?


Describe the use of promoters in gene technology


Describe the sequence of events which allows information to pass from one neurone to the next neurone across a cholinergic synapse. (6 marks)


Explain how a deletion mutation in a strand of DNA can affect the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of the protein for which it codes.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy