Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function: a red…
Full specification wording
Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals: 8.6 Explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function: a red blood cells (erythrocytes) b white blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes) c plasma d platelets
Blood is a tissue whose components each have a structure matched to a job.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 10
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Blood is a tissue whose components each have a structure matched to a job. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are biconcave discs with no nucleus and are packed with haemoglobin, giving a large surface area for oxygen uptake and room to carry oxygen. Phagocytes are white blood cells that engulf pathogens, so they have a flexible shape and many lysosomes; lymphocytes produce antibodies and have a large nucleus for protein synthesis. Plasma is the liquid that carries dissolved substances, hormones and waste. Platelets are cell fragments that clump at damaged vessel walls to help clotting. Each answer should name the component, describe its structure and link that structure to its function.
What earns the marks
- Red blood cells: biconcave shape and absence of nucleus give a large surface area and space for haemoglobin to carry oxygen.
- Phagocytes: flexible cell able to engulf and digest pathogens by phagocytosis.
- Lymphocytes: large nucleus supporting production of antibodies against specific pathogens.
- Plasma: liquid component that transports dissolved substances such as glucose, hormones and waste.
- Platelets: cell fragments that help blood to clot at damaged vessel walls.
- Links each structural feature explicitly to the function it enables.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying red blood cells have a nucleus.
Put it right: The learner should state they lack a nucleus, leaving space for haemoglobin.
Confusing phagocytes and lymphocytes.
Put it right: The learner should link phagocytes to engulfing pathogens and lymphocytes to antibody production.
Describing platelets as whole cells.
Put it right: The learner should describe them as cell fragments involved in clotting.
Exam tips
- For each component, give the structure first and then the function it enables.
- Use precise terms such as biconcave, haemoglobin, phagocytosis and antibodies.
- Cover all four named components so no part of the question is left unanswered.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals: 8.6 Explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function: a red blood cells (erythrocytes) b white blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes) c plasma d platelets lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A red blood cell has a biconcave disc shape and contains haemoglobin. Which function of red blood cells is most directly supported by these two features?
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals: 8.6 Explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function: a red blood cells (erythrocytes) b white blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes) c plasma d platelets
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge