Question
How are red blood cells able to move through narrow vessels to carry oxygen throughout a multicellular organism? Responses They are flexible because they lack a plasma membrane. They are flexible because they lack a plasma membrane. - no response given They are small because their organelles are smaller than those of other cells. They are small because their organelles are smaller than those of other cells. - no response given They are small because they lack a nucleus. They are small because they lack a nucleus. - no response given They are long and thin with a tail-like end.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Red blood cells (RBCs) are able to move through narrow vessels to carry oxygen throughout a multicellular organism primarily because they are small and flexible. The correct reason from your list is:
**They are small because they lack a nucleus.**
This characteristic allows them to have a biconcave shape, which increases their surface area for oxygen absorption and enables them to deform as they pass through narrow capillaries. Their flexibility helps them navigate the tight spaces within the circulatory system, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery without compromising blood flow.
The other statements are not accurate: red blood cells do have a plasma membrane, and while their size is influenced by the lack of a nucleus, it is not because their organelles are smaller; rather, they lose their organelles (including the nucleus) during maturation. Additionally, red blood cells are not long and thin with a tail-like end; they are more disk-shaped and can change shape as needed.
**They are small because they lack a nucleus.**
This characteristic allows them to have a biconcave shape, which increases their surface area for oxygen absorption and enables them to deform as they pass through narrow capillaries. Their flexibility helps them navigate the tight spaces within the circulatory system, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery without compromising blood flow.
The other statements are not accurate: red blood cells do have a plasma membrane, and while their size is influenced by the lack of a nucleus, it is not because their organelles are smaller; rather, they lose their organelles (including the nucleus) during maturation. Additionally, red blood cells are not long and thin with a tail-like end; they are more disk-shaped and can change shape as needed.