Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body an

Question

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body and carry carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body to the lungs. Each RBC contains millions of hemoglobin proteins that bind to oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing for transport. Under normal conditions (isotonic blood), the morphology of RBCs can be described as slightly ovoid, biconcave (dimpled) disks. During states of severe dehydration, blood becomes hypertonic: water will leave the RBCs and enter into the blood plasma, thus changing the morphology (shape, form) of RBCs. In hypertonic solution, RBCs appear deflated or wrinkly and normal function declines resulting in reduced gas transport deficiency. Based on your understanding of form and function, hypothesize how the change in RBC morphology (form) may result in a change in RBC function.

Explanation / Answer

Red blood cells have a unique structure. Their flexible disc shape helps increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of these extremely small cells. This enables oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse across the red blood cell's plasma membrane more readily. Red blood cells contain enormous amounts of a protein called hemoglobin. This iron containing molecule binds oxygen as oxygen molecules enter blood vessels in the lungs. Hemoglobin is also responsible for the characteristic red color of blood. Unlike other cells of the body, mature red blood cells do not contain a nucleus, mitochondria, or ribosomes. The absence of these cell structures leaves room for the hundreds of millions of hemoglobin molecules found in red blood cells. A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in the development of sickle-shaped cells and lead to sickle cell disorder.

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