describe structural and biochemical adaptations of red blood cells

Structural adaptation of red blood cells

• Thin membrane to reduce diffusion distance of gases
• Biconcave shape increase surface area for gaseous exchange
• Lack of nucleus increase space for hemoglobin
• Lack on mitochondria not to use up oxygen transported
• Highly flexible to squeeze through blood capillaries

Biochemical adaptations of red blood cells

• Contains hemoglobin to increase oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells
• Contains carbonic anhydrase enzyme to enhance transport of carbon dioxide
• Produced and occur in large number to increase oxygen carriage