Question

Explain two physiological advantages of red blood cell structure (lacking nucleus and mitochondria):

Answer 1

Answer with Explanation:

Red Blood Cells/RBC (erythrocytes) are important components of the blood. It aids in oxygen transportation to the cells and are also responsible for carrying carbon dioxide to the lungs.

The cell structures of RBCs are very unique. It lacks nucleus (DNA-containing organelle) and mitochondria (the power house of the cell). The lack of these structures allows the RBC to maintain its high amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein, which is primarily responsible for carrying the oxygen in the blood.

1. This means that there is no protein synthesis happening because of the lack of nucleus, which allows more hemoglobin formation. People with low hemoglobin level suffers from a condition called "anemia."

2. The lack of mitochondria also means that the cells produce ATP through the process of fermentation, since ATP is necessary to carry energy of the cells.

These are the two physiological advantages of the red blood cell's structure when it comes to lack of nucleus and mitochondria.