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

3331 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does cholera cause diarrhoea and dehydration?


Describe the structure of the cell membrane.


What might happen to the rate of glucose production as the temperature of a solution of sucrose and (human) sucrase was raised from 33°C to 43°C and why?


What are the key ideas surrounding homeostasis?


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