Login

why camels have nucleated RBCs ?

Camels have to live without food and water for a long time. So their red blood cells have to divide and form new cells. Only nucleated cells can divide
Their red blood cells have an oval shape, unlike those of other mammals, which are circular. This is to facilitate their flow in a dehydrated state. These cells are also more stable in order to withstand high osmotic variation without rupturing, when drinking large amounts of water (20-25 gallons in one drink.

  • 0
View Full Answer
The red blood cells of the dromedary camel protect it from dehydration because the oval-shaped cells can circulate even in thick blood and can significantly expand during rehydration. CLICK/TAP IMAGES FOR ATTRIBUTION AND LICENSE INFORMATION.

The dromedary camel is incredibly well-adapted to hot, arid climates. The camel can go days without drinking water, surviving extreme dehydration and safely losing 40% of its body weight in water. This ability is, in part, due to uniquely oval red blood cells (which carry oxygen). The long axis of these oval cells is oriented with the flow of blood, enabling the cells to cross over the smallest of blood vessels, even when blood thickens during times of dehydration.

Additionally, the camel’s red blood cells are capable of expanding up to 240% of their original volume without rupturing; most animals’ cells can expand only 150%. This makes it possible for the camel to drink the necessarily large amount of water to recover from dehydration.

  • 0
What are you looking for?