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Multiple Choice
Mature red blood cells in the circulating blood are filled primarily with __________.
A
nuclei
B
lysosomes
C
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D
mitochondria
E
hemoglobin molecules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of mature red blood cells: They are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
Recognize that mature red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack a nucleus and most organelles, including mitochondria, lysosomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, to maximize space for hemoglobin.
Identify the key component of red blood cells: Hemoglobin is the protein that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide, facilitating their transport in the blood.
Consider the structure of hemoglobin: It is composed of four polypeptide chains, each containing an iron atom that binds oxygen.
Conclude that mature red blood cells are filled primarily with hemoglobin molecules, which are essential for their oxygen-carrying function.