Describe and explain two ways in which red blood cells are adapted to oxygen transport.
Haemoglobin is a globular protein made of two alpha polypeptides and two beta polypeptides. Each alpha polypeptide consists of 141 amino acids and each beta polypeptide consists of 146 amino acids.
Calculate the difference in the number of amino acids and DNA bases required for a single alpha polypeptide vs a single beta polypeptide.
A scientist is looking at a red blood cell under an electron microscope and takes an electron micrograph. The actual diameter of the red blood cell is 7µm but in the micrograph image it measures 5cm. This is shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1
Calculate the magnification used by the scientist in Fig 1. Give your answer to the nearest 100.
Mammals that live at different altitudes often have different haemoglobin.
Suggest how a mammal's haemoglobin might be adapted to live at higher altitudes.
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