Mature red blood cells have no nucleus and no mitochondria - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 5 - 2017
Question 5
Mature red blood cells have no nucleus and no mitochondria.
Which of the following processes can be carried out by a mature red blood cell?
A. Glycolysis
B. Cell di... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Mature red blood cells have no nucleus and no mitochondria - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 5 - 2017
Step 1
A. Glycolysis
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Answer
Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose to generate energy in the form of ATP. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require a nucleus or mitochondria. Therefore, glycolysis can be carried out by mature red blood cells.
Step 2
B. Cell division
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Answer
Mature red blood cells do not undergo cell division as they lack a nucleus. They are formed from precursor cells in the bone marrow and do not replicate once mature.
Step 3
C. Protein synthesis
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Answer
Protein synthesis requires ribosomes and mRNA, which depend on a functional nucleus. Since mature red blood cells do not have a nucleus, they cannot carry out protein synthesis.
Step 4
D. Electron transport chain
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Answer
The electron transport chain takes place in the mitochondria. As mature red blood cells lack mitochondria, they cannot perform this process.
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