Question

Why does the biconcave shape of RBC's help store more oxygen?

Answer 1

The basic feature of biconcave structure is that it has more surface area than the flat surface. Thus their biconcave shape gives blood cell a larger surface area – which increases the ability to absorb oxygen. Also note the following points; Adaptations for efficient diffusion of oxygen Red blood cells have very thin cell membranes – this lets oxygendiffusethrough quickly. The cells themselves are thin, so there is only a short distance for the oxygen to diffuse to reach the centre of the cell. The biconcave shape provides a largesurface areacompared to thevolumeof the red blood cell, allowing diffusion to happen efficiently. Adaptations for efficient carriage of oxygen Red blood cells do not contain a nucleus so they can contain more haemoglobin. Oxygen combines with haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin: