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

6834 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is osmosis and why does it occur?


Sandeep has been fasting and is not drinking water during the daytime. Name the hormone and explain the sequence of events involving this hormone, that occur during the day to maintain Sandeep's water balance.


Describe the difference between a receptor and an effector, using examples in your answer.


What is an enzyme and explain the factors affecting it.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences