Which one of the following human cells do not contain mitochondria ?a)Nerve cellb)Red blood cellc)Liver celld)White blood cellCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Red Blood Cell (RBC)

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are unique among the human cells in that they do not contain mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, as they are responsible for generating ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. However, RBCs do not require mitochondria for energy production because they rely solely on anaerobic metabolism for ATP production.

Reasons Why Red Blood Cells Lack Mitochondria:
- RBCs lose their nucleus and other organelles, including mitochondria, during their maturation process. This loss allows them to carry more hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport.
- RBCs primarily rely on glycolysis for ATP production, as they lack the necessary oxygen to support oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria.
- The absence of mitochondria also makes RBCs more flexible, allowing them to squeeze through narrow capillaries and transport oxygen efficiently.

Function of Red Blood Cells:
- Red blood cells play a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and removing carbon dioxide for excretion.
- They are essential for maintaining the body's pH balance and overall homeostasis.

In conclusion, red blood cells do not contain mitochondria, which sets them apart from most other human cells. This unique feature allows RBCs to perform their specialized function of oxygen transport effectively.

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