Biology: Red Blood Cell Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary functions of red blood cells (RBCs)?

Produce antibodies
Store vitamin D
Enclose hemoglobin (correct)
Transport nutrients

The biconcave shape of RBCs enables them to pass through narrow capillaries without rupture.

True (A)

What enzyme do RBCs contain that catalyzes the reaction between water and carbon dioxide?

Carbonic anhydrase

The normal diameter of a red blood cell (RBC) is ______ micrometers.

<p>7.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following RBC attributes with their correct descriptions:

<p>Number in adult males = 5-5.5 million/mm3 Number in adult females = 4.5-4.8 million/mm3 Shape = Circular, biconcave, non-nucleate discs Size in volume = 90 µ3</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Function of RBCs

RBCs enclose hemoglobin, which enables them to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Hemoglobin in RBCs carries O2 and CO2.
RBCs contain carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction between H2O and CO2.

RBC Characteristics

Adult males have 5-5.5 million RBCs per mm3.
Adult females have 4.5-4.8 million RBCs per mm3.
Newborn infants have a higher number of RBCs.
RBCs are circular, biconcave, non-nucleate discs.
The biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area in relation to volume.
The biconcave shape of RBCs enables them to pass through narrow capillaries without rupture.
RBCs have a volume of 90 µ3.
RBCs have a diameter of 7.5 µ.
RBCs have a thickness of 2 µ.