2.59 describe how the adaptations of red blood cells, including shape, structure and the presence of haemoglobin, make them suitable for the transport of oxygen.

Structure:

-        thin membranes to let oxygen diffuse through easily

-        have no nucleus (enucleate) or other organelles

-        contains haemoglobin: which bonds with oxygen

-        since there is no nucleus, the whole cells is full of haemoglobin

Shape:

-        they are biconcave. This shape increases the surface area to allow more oxygen to be absorbed more efficiently

-        its flat disc shape enables in to pass through narrow openings

Red blood cells respire anaerobically so the cells don’t use any oxygen