Question

Given along is a diagram of a human blood smear. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow:

1. Name the components numbered ‘1’ to ‘4’.
2. Mention two structural differences between the parts ‘1’ and ‘2’.
3. Name the soluble protein found in part ‘4’ which forms insoluble threads during clotting of blood.
4. What is the average life span of the component numbered ‘1’?
5. Component numbered ‘1’ do not have certain organelles but are very efficient in their function. Explain.

Answer 1

1. 1: RBC/Erythrocytes
   2: WBC/Leucocytes
   3: Platelets/Thrombocytes
   4: Plasma
2. Two structural differences between parts 1 (RBC) and 2 (WBC) are:
   

   RBC	WBC
   Biconcave disc-like	Irregular, Amoeboid
   Nucleus absent	Nucleus present

3. Fibrinogen
4. The average lifespan of the component numbered 1 (i.e., RBC) is 120 days.
5. The component numbered 1, i.e., Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs), do not have mitochondria, ribosomes, or a nucleus; they are denucleated. The main function of RBCs is the transport of oxygen to the cells of the body; hence, they do not have mitochondria, making them more efficient. They lack a nucleus, which enables them to squeeze through and move easily through narrow vessels like capillaries.