1.4.2

Blood Cells

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Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all body cells. They are adapted to do this function because of their features:

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Biconcave shape

  • Red blood cells have dents on each side.
  • We call this a biconcave shape.
  • This biconcave shape creates a large surface area and allows for the rapid diffusion of oxygen.
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Haemoglobin

  • Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds with oxygen in the lungs.
  • Haemoglobin carries oxygen which will then be released to the body cells to be used for respiration.
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No nucleus

  • Red blood cells do not have a nucleus. This frees up more room for haemoglobin.
  • This maximises the amount of oxygen that they can carry.
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Small size

  • Red blood cells are small so that they can pass through tiny capillaries.

White Bloods Cells

White blood cells defend against infections. White blood cells:

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Have a nucleus

  • Unlike red blood cells, white blood cells have a nucleus.
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Can change shape

  • White blood cells can change shape.
  • This allows them to squeeze through the walls of blood vessels into body tissues and to engulf harmful microorganisms.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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