Carbon dioxide is carried in blood plasma. Human blood also contains red blood cells and white blood cells.
Explain how the structure of red blood cells and white blood cells is related to their function.
(6 marks)

Plasma is the main component of blood and consists mostly of water, with proteins, ions, nutrients, and wastes mixed in. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. White blood cells are part of the immune system and function in immune response.

Blood is important for regulation of the body’s pH, temperature, osmotic pressure, the circulation of nutrients and removal of waste, the distribution of hormones from endocrine glands, and the elimination of excess heat; it also contains components for blood clotting. Blood is made of of several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the plasma, which contains coagulation factors and serum.