The Structure of a Phagocyte and a Red Blood Cell

Structure of a Phagocyte

Phagocytes are typical white blood cells. They form part of the immune system and are involved in the body’s response to invading bacteria.
Unlike red blood cells, phagocytes have a nucleus. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell.
Phagocytes possess a flexible and irregular form, allowing them to move in an amoeboid like fashion. This movement aids in capturing and engulfing harmful bacteria.
They possess cytoplasm which contains enzymes. After engulfing a bacterium, these enzymes are used to destroy and break down the bacterium.
They have cell membranes which can extend outwards to form pseudopods. These pseudopods are used to engulf and trap their targets.
Phagocytes are larger in size compared to red blood cells which allows them to ingest (phagocytize) target cells.

Structure of a Red Blood Cell

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are specialised cells involved in oxygen transport throughout the body.
They possess a biconcave disc shape, meaning they are flattened in the middle and curved outward. This shape increases the surface area for effective oxygen exchange.
Unlike most cells, red blood cells lack a nucleus, mitochondria, and other typical cell organelles. This allows more room for haemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen carriage.
Red blood cells are filled with haemoglobin, which contains iron. This structure allows them to bind to and carry oxygen.
Their small size and flexible structure allows them to pass through narrow blood vessels, aiding in the delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body.
They possess a cell membrane that is slightly flexible which helps maintain their shape as they move through blood vessels.
Red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, after which they are destroyed in the liver and spleen.