Question

Adult human RBCs are enucleated. Which of the following statement(s) is/are the most appropriate explanation for this feature?
(a) They do not need to reproduce.
(b) They are somatic cells.
(c) They do not metabolise.
(d) They have a high surface area to volume ratio for more oxygen to be transported.

• A. Only (a)
• B. (a), (c) and (d)
• C. (b) and (c)
• D. only (d)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

only (d)

RBC are enucleated and also lack most of the cell organelles. Absence of nucleus also imparts a biconcave shape to the RBC. This increases their surface area-volume ratio which helps in absorbing more oxygen. Absence of nucleus means they do not carry out cellular respiration. This makes them efficient for transporting oxygen as it will not use up the oxygen it is carrying for its own cellular processes.