Human Biology, 14 Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1-25924-574-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-25924-574-9

Chapter 6 - Section 6.2 - Red Blood Cells and Transport of Oxygen - Check Your Progress - Page 119: 2

Answer

The lack of a nucleus in mature red blood cells means that RBCs can maximize the amount of gases they can carry. On the other hand, not having a nucleus means that RBCs cannot make their own proteins or repair themselves. RBCs, thus, only live for about 120 days and then are consumed by white blood cells.

Work Step by Step

The lack of a nucleus in mature red blood cells means that RBCs can maximize the amount of gases they can carry. On the other hand, not having a nucleus means that RBCs cannot make their own proteins or repair themselves. RBCs, thus, only live for about 120 days and then are consumed by white blood cells.
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