Erythrocyte physiology · Physiology

Erythrocytes lack mitochondria primarily to:

  1. Prevent oxidative damage to hemoglobin
  2. Increase overall cell membrane flexibility
  3. Avoid using the oxygen they carry
  4. Reduce their overall cellular size
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Correct answer: Avoid using the oxygen they carry

By lacking mitochondria, erythrocytes do not consume the oxygen they carry. This ensures maximal delivery of oxygen to tissues.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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