blood cells

• red blood cells transport oxygen that is absorbed from the lungs and is transported through the blood vessels. Red blood cells are used during aerobic respiration as they release oxygen
• red blood cells have no nucleus and no mitochondria to carry out aerobic respiration
• red blood cells have features that help adapt to their functions such as:

  • they contain haemogoblin
  • they have no nucleus so they can contain more haemogoblin
  • they are small and more flexible
  • they have a biconcave shape (flat disc shape) to give them a larger surface area for oxygen absorption
• white blood cells defend the body against disease by producing antibodies and destroying pathogens
• white blood cells are a type of phagosyte
• the phagosyte engulfs the bacteria cell and is broken down by enzymes