Question

Why are red blood cells anucleated?

(a) Presence of nucleus leads to heavier cells that cannot flow in blood stream

(b) Absence of nucleus leads to increased space for haemoglobin that carries molecular oxygen

(c) Presence of nucleus leads to increased proliferation of RBCs which harms the body

(d) All of the mentioned

I have been asked this question in exam.

This intriguing question originated from Nucleus in chapter Nucleus & Aerobic Respiration of Cell Biology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Absence of nucleus leads to increased space for haemoglobin that carries molecular oxygen

The best I can explain: Red blood cells (RBCs) present in human blood stream do not contain nucleus. Absence of nucleus leads to more space for stuffing of haemoglobin that carries molecular oxygen. This thus increases the oxygen-carrying capacity in blood. If the nucleus was present, haemoglobin content will be limited around the periphery. Furthermore, due to absence of nucleus, RBCs contain a disk-like depression that increases the surface are for haemoglobin content.