B3 - Red Blood Cells

The job of red blood cells explained simply.

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Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body.

They are specialised cells, and are therefore adapted to their function.

Their adaptations include;

  • biconcave shape
  • large surface area to volume ratio
  • absorb and release oxygen
  • no nucleus to provide more space
  • contain haemoglobin which converts to oxyhaemoglobin when combined with oxygen, making it release oxygen to cells when in body tissues
  • flexible to allow them to pass through narrow arteries
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