Which one of the following mammalian cells is not capable of metabolising glucose to carbon-dioxide aerobically? [2007]a)unstraited muscle cellsb)liver cellsc)red blood cellsd)white bloodCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

---))In animal cells process of aerobic respiration is carried out in mitochondria. The mammalian red blood cells (RBC) lack nucleus, mitochondria and all other major cell organelles as well.

• Hence, RBCs cannot metabolize glucose aerobically and depend on anaerobic respiration for their energy needs.

Answer

The mammalian RBC LACK nucleus.hence RBC can,t      metabolise glucose aerobically and depend on anaerobic respiration for their energy needs.

Answer

Answer is C because RBC lack membrane bound organelles like mitochondria etc
as it lacks mitochondria, it respire anaerobically.

Answer

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, do not have mitochondria and therefore cannot carry out aerobic respiration. Here is an explanation of why red blood cells are unable to metabolize glucose aerobically:

1. Mitochondria and aerobic respiration:
- Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells.
- Aerobic respiration is the process by which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.
- This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and takes place within the mitochondria.

2. Lack of mitochondria in red blood cells:
- Red blood cells are specialized cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues of the body.
- In order to maximize their capacity to carry oxygen, red blood cells do not contain mitochondria.
- The absence of mitochondria allows more space for hemoglobin, a protein responsible for binding and transporting oxygen.

3. Alternative energy production in red blood cells:
- Since red blood cells lack mitochondria, they rely solely on anaerobic respiration for energy production.
- Anaerobic respiration, also known as glycolysis, occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen.
- During glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP.
- The pyruvate is then converted into lactate, which can be transported out of the cell.

4. Importance of anaerobic respiration in red blood cells:
- Anaerobic respiration is crucial for red blood cells since they rely on a continuous supply of ATP to maintain their shape and function.
- The absence of mitochondria and aerobic respiration allows red blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen without consuming it for their own energy needs.

In conclusion, red blood cells are unable to metabolize glucose aerobically because they lack mitochondria. Instead, they rely on anaerobic respiration to produce ATP, ensuring their function as efficient oxygen carriers.

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