Erythrocyte Structure and Function
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Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are disc-shaped, nucleus-lacking cells packed with hemoglobin, per Bio 3161, their shape maximizing surface area for oxygen-carrying protein.
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Lacking a nucleus leaves a mammalian erythrocyte more internal space for hemoglobin than a nucleated cell allows.
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The missing nucleus limits an erythrocyte's lifespan — it cannot repair itself or divide once mature.