Question
How are red blood cells and neurons different?
A. Neurons are all the same size, but red blood cells are different sizes.
B. Neurons contain DNA, but red blood cells do not.
C. Neurons lack organelles, but red blood cells have organelles.
D. Neurons need oxygen, but red blood cells do not.
A. Neurons are all the same size, but red blood cells are different sizes.
B. Neurons contain DNA, but red blood cells do not.
C. Neurons lack organelles, but red blood cells have organelles.
D. Neurons need oxygen, but red blood cells do not.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is:
**B. Neurons contain DNA, but red blood cells do not.**
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are unique in that they do not contain a nucleus or any DNA once they mature, whereas neurons (nerve cells) contain DNA in their nuclei, which is essential for their function and the ability to transmit signals.
Here's a brief explanation of why the other options are incorrect:
A. **Neurons are all the same size, but red blood cells are different sizes.** - This is not accurate. Neurons vary in size and shape depending on their type and function, just as red blood cells are typically uniform in size and shape.
C. **Neurons lack organelles, but red blood cells have organelles.** - This statement is not true. Neurons have various organelles (like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum), while mature red blood cells lack most organelles, including the nucleus.
D. **Neurons need oxygen, but red blood cells do not.** - This statement is misleading. Neurons do require oxygen for metabolism and functionality, but red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body; they do not consume oxygen themselves in the same way neurons do.
**B. Neurons contain DNA, but red blood cells do not.**
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are unique in that they do not contain a nucleus or any DNA once they mature, whereas neurons (nerve cells) contain DNA in their nuclei, which is essential for their function and the ability to transmit signals.
Here's a brief explanation of why the other options are incorrect:
A. **Neurons are all the same size, but red blood cells are different sizes.** - This is not accurate. Neurons vary in size and shape depending on their type and function, just as red blood cells are typically uniform in size and shape.
C. **Neurons lack organelles, but red blood cells have organelles.** - This statement is not true. Neurons have various organelles (like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum), while mature red blood cells lack most organelles, including the nucleus.
D. **Neurons need oxygen, but red blood cells do not.** - This statement is misleading. Neurons do require oxygen for metabolism and functionality, but red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body; they do not consume oxygen themselves in the same way neurons do.