Do erythrocytes have mitochondria?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether erythrocytes, or red blood cells, have mitochondria. This relates to the structure and function of blood cells, particularly in how they generate energy.
Answer
Mammalian erythrocytes do not have mitochondria.
The final answer is that mammalian erythrocytes do not have mitochondria.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that mammalian erythrocytes do not have mitochondria.
More Information
Mammalian erythrocytes lack mitochondria to maximize the space for hemoglobin, necessary for efficient oxygen transport. However, other vertebrates like birds have erythrocytes with functional mitochondria.
Tips
Many might assume that all red blood cells have mitochondria as other cell types do, but this is not the case for mammalian erythrocytes.
Sources
- The web page with info on - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- How does RBC survive without mitochondria? - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- 40.5: Components of the Blood - Red Blood Cells - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
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