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b) Give one feature of a red blood cell and explain how it helps it to carry out its function. marks] Feature __ Explanation

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b)
Give one feature of a red blood cell and explain how it helps it to
carry out its function.
marks]
Feature __
Explanation

b) Give one feature of a red blood cell and explain how it helps it to carry out its function. marks] Feature __ Explanation

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JeromeElite · Tutor for 8 years

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A significant feature of red blood cells that contributes to its function is their unique biconcave, disc-like shape which provides a larger surface area for efficient gas diffusion. This shape thus facilitates their primary function of gas exchange by allowing more oxygen to be absorbed from the lungs and delivered to tissues throughout the body and at the same time, disposing of larger amounts of carbon dioxide.

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A significant feature of red blood cells that enables them to effectively carry out their functions is the unique, biconcave, disc-like shape of these cells which increases their surface area to volume ratio. This enhanced surface area is particularly advantageous as it allows a faster and better rate of diffusion of oxygen, from the blood to the tissues and of carbon dioxide, from the tissues to the blood. Thus, red blood cells are suitably equipped for their prime function i.e., gas exchange. By maximizing the surface area and reducing the diffusion distance, red blood cells ensure that more oxygen can be absorbed by the hemoglobin present in these cells and equally important, that more carbon dioxide can be promptly expelled from the body, thereby optimizing the process of respiration. <br /><br />【Feature】: The biconcave, disc-like shape of the Red Blood Cells<br /><br />【Explanation】: This specific shape gives them an increased surface area to volume ratio, which accelerates the diffusion rate of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide). Thus, facilitating their primary function - gas exchange. <br /><br />So, effectively, the bi-concave shape of red blood cells complements their utility, boosting efficient transport of gases, and thereby ensuring normal biological functions across the body are carrying on unhindered.
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