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
Answered by Anish t. Biology tutor

2706 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does a chemical synapse work?


Describe key structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.


How is a resting potential achieved?


What are the different roles of synapses in the nervous system?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning