What is the structure of a red blood cell?

The cell is flexible and assumes a bell shape as it passes through extremely small blood vessels. It is covered with a membrane composed of lipids and proteins, lacks a nucleus, and contains hemoglobin—a red iron-rich protein that binds oxygen.

How do fish make red blood cells?

The common carp can tolerate extremely low oxygen levels. These fish store zinc in a specific zinc-binding protein presented in digestive tract tissues, and under low oxygen, the stored zinc is released and used as a signal to stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation).

Do fish red blood cells have a nucleus?

In fish, RBCs are nucleated and contain organelles in their cytoplasm, enabling these cells to be transcriptionally active and able to respond to invading pathogens.

Do fish have blood cells?

Fish Red-Blood Cells (RBCs) are nucleated cells that can modulate the expression of different sets of genes in response to stimuli, playing an active role in the homeostasis of the fish immune system.

Do fish have nucleated red blood cells?

However, we do know that, except for mammals, all living vertebrates (fish, frogs, birds, and reptiles) have nucleated red blood cells in circulation. Mammals are unique in having their blood cells “spit out” the nucleus before they go into circulation (unless there is a disease).

Do fish have many cells?

FIshes have many cells, that is, they are multi cellular organisms. They are also eukaryotes, because their cells have true nucleus and they possess membrane bound organelle in their cells.

Is there blood in the fishes?

Fish have a circulatory system with blood and a heart as the pump just like that of humans, and just like that of humans, fish blood is red because it contains hemoglobin , the iron compound that carries oxygen. If a fish is fresh and is cut near major vessels, you will see blood.

What is the circulatory system of a fish?

Fish have a simple circulatory system, which consists of a two-chambered heart, blood, and blood vessels. Unlike humans, they have a single circulatory pattern.