Question

In camel, erythrocytes are
A.Circular, biconcave, non-nucleated
B.Oval and nucleated
C.Circular, bi concave and anucleated
D.Oval and non-nucleated

Answer 1

Hint: Blood is the major circulatory fluid in our body. We know that blood contains several formed elements that includes both blood cells and blood platelets. RBC and WBC are the major blood cells in our body. Shape and structure of RBC is different in various groups of organisms.

Complete answer:
 Erythrocytes or red blood cells are the major blood cells in our body. Know that the structure of RBC is different in various groups of organisms as mammalian RBC are non nucleated cells and are bi concave in shape. Know that certain invertebrates have nucleated RBC. Keep in mind that the red colour of RBC is contributed by the presence of respiratory pigment called haemoglobin. It is a tetramer that contains four subunits and helps in the transport of oxygen in our body. It is a conjugated protein that consists of Heme and a protein named Globin.

Erythrocytes in camels are nucleated and are oval in shape. This is an exception as mammalian RBC is biconcave in shape and are non-nucleated. Know that the oval shape of RBC in camels helps them in their circulation as camels live in dry conditions with less amount of water. Know that these erythrocytes can increase their volume to preserve water content.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(B)

Note: Biconcave shape of RBC is disrupted in many conditions. In a disease called sickle cell anaemia, RBC shape changes from biconcave to sickle shape at the time of oxygen tension situations. It is a genetic disease and occurs due to recessive mutation that occurs in chromosome 11. Acute anaemia will be seen because of abnormal haemoglobin in individuals with this disease.