Which of the following is NOT a reason for a erythrocyte's short life span?Its lack of organellesIts lack of a nucleusDamage sustained when squeezing through capillariesIts biconcave disc shape
Question
Which of the following is NOT a reason for a erythrocyte's short life span?Its lack of organellesIts lack of a nucleusDamage sustained when squeezing through capillariesIts biconcave disc shape
Solution
The option "Its biconcave disc shape" is NOT a reason for an erythrocyte's short life span.
Here's why:
-
Lack of organelles: Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, lack organelles like mitochondria, which are necessary for repairing damage and maintaining cell health. This contributes to their short lifespan.
-
Lack of a nucleus: The absence of a nucleus means that erythrocytes cannot synthesize new proteins or repair themselves, which also contributes to their short lifespan.
-
Damage sustained when squeezing through capillaries: Erythrocytes have to squeeze through tiny capillaries, which can cause physical damage and contribute to their short lifespan.
-
Biconcave disc shape: This is actually an adaptation that allows erythrocytes to efficiently carry oxygen. The shape increases the surface area of the cell, allowing for more oxygen to be carried. It also enables them to deform and squeeze through narrow capillaries. Therefore, this shape does not contribute to a short lifespan but rather helps the erythrocyte perform its function more efficiently.
Similar Questions
Which of the following statements about mature, circulating erythrocytes is true?
Which of the following have mature erythrocytes that have lost their nuclei.Multiple choice question.FishesFrogsBirdsMammals
Why do erythrocytes get rid of their nucleus (and organelles)?To create an empty cell that can squeeze through capillaries!To create an empty storage space to carry and store oxygen molecules!To create more room for more hemoglobin!To eliminate damaged DNA!
Select all that applyList three characteristics of erythrocytes (red blood cells).Multiple select question.They are biconcave discs.They lack mitochondria.They are large and spherical.They have a large nucleus.They are specialized for carrying oxygen.They are cell fragments.
Which of the following lacks a nucleus?Multiple choice question.red blood cellwhite blood cell
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.