Why are mitochondria absent in red blood cells?

Answer 1

Red blood cells are unique in that they have no nucleus or mitochondria. The lack of this organelle means that red blood cells must get their energy differently using a process called glycolysis to produce ATP. The lack of organelles means that there are various advantages and disadvantages that are considered. One advantage is the biconcave disk shape of the mammalian erythrocytes, which optimizes the cell for the exchange of oxygen with its surroundings and to make maximum space for hemoglobin. The cells are flexible in order to fit through tiny capillaries, where they release their oxygen load. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that because of the lack of nuclei and organelles, mature red blood cells do not contain DNA and cannot synthesize any RNA, and consequently they cannot divide or repair themselves, limiting their lifespan. Mitochondria enable cells to produce 15 times more ATP than they could otherwise, and complex animals, like humans, need large amounts of energy in order to survive. The lack of mitochondria means that the cells use none of the oxygen they transport; instead they produce the energy carrier ATP by fermentation, via glycolysis of glucose followed by lactic acid production. References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_blood_cell http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0024929.html http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/mitochondria/mitochondria.html http://www.thetech.org/genetics/news.php?id=86

Answer 2

When erythrocyes (red blood cells) mature, their contents is lost to maximise the oxygen carrying capacity by filling the cell with haemoglobin in place of mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and its nucleus.

Answer 3

Red blood cells are required to traverse very small capillaries in your extremities. For this reason, we call them "deformable" cells. In order to be deformable, red blood cells lack many organelles other cells typically have, including mitochondria in order to bend and fit through your capillaries.

However, the lack of mitochondria also means that red blood cells do not undergo oxidative phosphorylation for their energy needs and do not have many mechanisms to combat oxidative stress. For this reason, red blood cells are more sensitive to oxidative compounds including certain medications, and pathogens that may alter the body's natural oxidative state.

Answer 4

Red blood cells do not have a cell nucleus, they can not reproduce and do not need to metabolise. They are created in the bone marrow for one purpose (transporting oxygen) and therefore do not need to have mitochondria in them.

Answer 5

Red blood cells do not have mitochondria because they need to maximize their capacity to carry oxygen. Mitochondria consume oxygen for cellular respiration, which would compete with the main function of red blood cells. Instead, red blood cells rely on glycolysis as their primary source of energy production.

Answer 6

well i think it's useful because if u cut urself then when ur red blood cells adapt then ur wound/cut will heal and I'm guessing the faster the adaption the faster the wound/cut will heal.

Answer 7

More oxygen can get to your cells.