Question

The diagram below shows a smear of blood on a microscope slide.
         

1. Identify the structures labeled A, B and C. 
2. State the importance of the large number of structures A in the blood smear.
3. Name the process by which structure D would engulf C and state its importance.
4. State one adaptation of the structure labeled A to its function.

Answer 1

1. A- red blood cell; 
   B –White blood cell;
   C- an antigen /bacterium /virus/fungus;
2. To increase the total surface area of oxygen transport;
3. Phagocytosis;
   • Helps to destroy disease causing micro organisms;
4.  
   • Presence of hemoglobin with a high affinity for oxygen;
   • Absence of a nucleus /lacks most of the organelles to pack more hemoglobin;
   • Presence of enzyme carbonic anhydrase to enhance loading of carbon (iv) oxide gas;
   • They are small and able to squeeze through narrow capillaries;