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

3190 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What happens in the light independent reactions of photosynthesis?


Messenger RNA (mRNA) is used during translation to form polypeptides. Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell.


Describe the events that occur at synaptic junction that result in an action potential in the post synaptic membrane.


Describe the involuntary Relay Arc pathway of a nervous impulse, from the stimulus to the reaction


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning