Question

How does the structure of RBC, WBC and platelets relate to the function of these cells?

Answer 1

Hint: Blood is a mobile connective tissue consisting of a fluid, plasma, and cells (known as blood corpuscles). There are three types of cells found in blood: Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets.

Complete answer:
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes are the most abundant in the human body. RBCs do not have cell organelles including nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, centrioles and endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, almost the entire cytoplasm is filled with haemoglobin. Since the cell organelles are absent, the consumption of oxygen is very low. Anaerobic respiration occurs in RBCs. Haemoglobin is the oxygen carrying pigment; thus, RBCs help in transport of oxygen. They also transport carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs. Haemoglobin is an excellent acid base buffer which is responsible for maintaining pH of blood.

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes are colourless as they are devoid of haemoglobin. They consist of cell organelles and can change their shape. Changing the shape allows them to squeeze out of blood capillaries into the tissues. This process is known as diapedesis. They act as soldiers and scavengers, fighting the foreign bodies that enter into the body. They protect the body from several diseases. Blood platelets are also known as thrombocytes. They are flat and fragments of the cells without nucleus. In case of an injury, the blood platelets release certain chemicals which are called platelet factors. These factors help in the clotting of blood (blood coagulation).

Note: The number of these three types of corpuscles vary within a range in the blood of males and females. The increase or decrease in the number of blood cells beyond a certain limit can lead to different types of diseases.