Describe how a red blood cell is specialised to carry out its function of transporting oxygen around the body.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 2.2 Levels of 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 for diffusion of oxygen.
They are anucleate, providing more space for haemoglobin and oxygen.
Their thin cell membrane reduces the diffusion distance, allowing rapid diffusion of oxygen into the cell.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms: haemoglobin, biconcave, anucleate, thin membrane. Link each feature directly to the function of oxygen transport. Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Mixing up the shape description (e.g., saying ‘concave’ instead of ‘biconcave’). Forgetting to mention the absence of a nucleus or the thin membrane.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds to / carries oxygen
  2. Biconcave shape increases the surface area for diffusion of oxygen
  3. Red blood cells have no nucleus (are anucleate), providing more space for haemoglobin / oxygen
  4. Thin cell membrane decreases the diffusion distance, allowing rapid diffusion of oxygen into the cell

Key terms in this question

red blood cell

Related

More Levels of organisation questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →