Why is the structure of red blood cells important?

A red blood cell has what is known as a biconcave shape. Both sides of the cell's surface curve inward like the interior of a sphere. This shape aids in a red blood cell's ability to maneuver through tiny blood vessels to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues. read more

This is a very important aspect of RBC membrane, as we can observe RBC rupture if the shape changes to spherical (spherocytosis) or RBC clogging the capillaries, impeding the blood flow to organs causing ischemia, if changed to sickle shape (sickle cell anemia). read more

Red blood cells are also important in determining human blood type. Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of certain identifiers on the surface of red blood cells. These identifiers, also called antigens, help the body's immune system to recognize its own red blood cell type. read more