Tuesday 4 May 2010

Describe the structure of a red blood cell and explain how this relates to its function.

Red blood cells (RBC) are bio-concave in shape to give maximum surface area for the absorption of oxygen. They contain haemoglobin which when combined with oxygen makes oxyhaemoglobin which is what gives blood its bright red colour.
(RBC) have no nucleus to make more room for Haemoglobin.
(RBC) are very small. They are only 1/25,ooo of an inch big. They are also very flexible to enable them to squeeze there way through small spaces.
A(RBC) has a life span of aprox 120 days and then it is destroyed by the phagocyte cells. Old cells that are destroyed are constantly replaced by new (RBC) made in the bone marrow.

Ref:-Image from http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/images/red-blood-cells.jpg

CGP Handouts.

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