MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The human erythrocyte adopts a distinctive biconcave disc form in vivo. The question as to why the red blood cell should have this particular profile remains unresolved. It has been suggested that this shape maximises the surface area to volume ratio and thus expedites diffusion.

Detailed explanation-2: -Red blood cells are adapted for the transport of oxygen. They are small and flexible so they can fit through narrow vessels, have a bi-concave shape which maximises their surface area to absorb oxygen, have a thin membrane so gases easily diffuse through, and contain haemoglobin which binds to oxygen.

Detailed explanation-3: -Red blood cells have adaptations which make them efficient at their job: Biconcave shape means a high surface area to volume ratio, this increases diffusion. Packed full of haemoglobin that binds to oxygen. No nucleus = this means there is more space for haemoglobin.

Detailed explanation-4: -Reason (R)-Circular and biconcave shape increases the surface area for oxygen binding and the lack of organelles results in no self-utilisation of the oxygen being carried.