# 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

## 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

- [red blood cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/red-blood-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-a-red-blood-cell-6f6d6561) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.