Describe four features of a red blood cell that adapt it to its function of transporting oxygen around the body.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 2.1 Cell structure and organisation · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds to and carries oxygen.
The biconcave shape increases the surface area, allowing rapid diffusion of oxygen.
They are anucleate, providing more space to pack haemoglobin and oxygen.
The thin cell membrane reduces diffusion distance, enabling quick oxygen exchange.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms: haemoglobin, anucleate, biconcave shape, thin membrane. Show the link between each feature and oxygen transport. Keep each point concise and separate with a line break.

Common mistakes

Writing ‘nucleus’ instead of ‘anucleate’.
Forgetting to explain how the feature aids oxygen transport.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds to / carries oxygen.
Biconcave shape increases the surface area (for rapid diffusion of oxygen).
Has no nucleus (anucleate), so there is more space to carry / pack in haemoglobin / oxygen.
Thin cell membrane reduces the diffusion distance (so oxygen diffuses in / out quickly).

Key terms in this question

red blood cell