Question

Which one of the following mammalian cells is not capable of metabolizing glucose to carbon – dioxide aerobically?
A. White Blood Cells
B. Unstriated muscle cells
C. Liver cells
D. Red Blood Cells

Answer 1

Hint: In order to metabolize glucose to carbon – dioxide aerobically, the cell needs some important framework. This framework provides enzymes for metabolism. These are the enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation.

Complete answer: In the human body, the metabolism of glucose by cells is regulated and affected by a number of factors. The first and foremost requirement for the metabolism of any compound inside a cell is that the compound must enter the cell. Then, it has to be used in metabolism. For metabolism, every cell requires some enzymes and cell organelles.
Now, when we talk about glucose, the uptake of glucose into a cell requires insulin receptors. Furthermore, the metabolism of glucose in cells aerobically requires the presence of mitochondria. Both these requirements are not fulfilled in the case of Red Blood Cells. The Red Blood Cells are enucleated and also lack other organelles like mitochondria. So, the sole metabolism of glucose in Red Blood Cells occurs anaerobically.

Therefore, the answer is option D.

Additional information:
Mammalian Red Blood Cells have a small life span. They lack a nucleus and other organelles, so, there is no scope of repair mechanisms. That is why they have a very short life span.

Note: The Red Blood Cells are biconcave-shaped. So, they can efficiently transport oxygen from the lungs to the organs and carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin.