What Advantages Does the Biconcavity of the Erythrocyte Impart on the Cell

Question

What advantages does the biconcavity of the erythrocyte impart on the cell
A)It increases the overall surface area.
B)It decreases the flexibility of the cell.
C)It prevents toxins from entering the cell.
D)It increases blood osmolarity.

Accepted Answer

The biconcavity of the erythrocyte increases the overall surface area, which allows for greater exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with the surrounding environment. This is important for the role of erythrocytes in oxygen transport. The biconcavity also allows the erythrocyte to deform and squeeze through small capillaries, increasing its ability to navigate through the circulatory system.