1 Why are erythrocytes more numerous than leucocytes

(lymphocytes and granulocytes)?

The ratio of is erythrocytes to leukocytes is generally related to the functions they serve, and a
body's need for those functions. Erythrocytes are the red blood cells that serve to carry vital
oxygen to every cell in your body. Leukocytes are the white blood cells that serve to fight
infection. ALL body cells need oxygen ALL of the time, whereas most people don't get too
many infections too often, so the ratio of red to white cells relates to how much need a body
has for the service that the cells provide.

2 What shape do red blood cells have? What is the significance of

this shape?
Red blood cells have a bio-concave shape. This shape gives them a
vastly greater surface area than a spherical cell of similar volume,
which allows them to absorb oxygen more efficiently. Red blood
cells achieve this shape by losing their nucleus and many other organelles
during development.
3 What is one important structural difference between leucocytes
and erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes do not have nucleus at maturity whereas leucocytes have a
large characteristic nucleus.
4 What different functions do granulocytes and lymphocytes
perform?
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that are responsible
for initiating an immune response when a foreign invader enters
the body. The function of granulocytes vary, for instance some are
toxic to pathogens, some contribute to the inflammatory response
and some are involved in causing an allergic reaction.
5 Why does blood appear to be red?
Blood is red because of the haemoglobin inside our red blood cells.
Haemoglobin is a protein that forms a complex with iron molecules and
together they transport oxygen molecules throughout the body. Iron has
the property of reflecting red light and because there is so much iron in
our blood, blood looks red
6 What is the function of red blood cells?
Carry oxygen to all body tissue
Release the enzyme carbonic anhydrase which allows water in the
blood to carry carbon dioxide to the lungs where it is expelled.
Control the pH of the blood by acting as an acid-base buffer.
7 How are platelets structurally different to erythrocytes and
leucocytes? What is their function?
Unlike erythrocytes and leucocytes, platelets are not actually cells but
rather small fragments of cells. Platelets help the blood clotting process
(or coagulation) by gathering at the site of an injury, sticking to the lining
of the injured blood vessel and forming a platform on which blood
coagulation can occur.