Question

Which of these functions could or could not be carried out by a red blood cell?

1. Protein synthesis
2. Cell division 
3. Lipid synthesis
4. Active transport

Answer 1

1. Protein synthesis: RBCs do not have ribosomes which are important for protein synthesis, They are concerned with transport of respiratory gases alone. Hence protein synthesis
   could not take place in RBCs.
2. Protein synthesis: RBCs do not have ribosomes which are important for protein synthesis, They are concerned with transport of respiratory gases alone. Hence protein synthesis
   could not take place in RBCs.
3. Lipid Synthesis: Lipid synthesis occurs in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and golgi complex. The ER is absent in RBCs. Hence lipid synthesis does not take place in RBCs.
4. Active transport: Transport of respiratory gases between the alveoli to the blood vessels, blood vessel to the cells and vice versa take place due to difference in the partial pressure of O₂ and CO₂., Active transport of materials against concentration gradient does not take place in RBCs.