Red Blood Cells

[Jonooo]

Perhaps you could quickly assist. I have been set some AS level work and I appear stuck on a few questions.

1. Suggest what causes the red blood cell to bend when they are cut
2. "Red blood cells shows as a uniform dark colour on an electron micrograph". Explain why.


Any help appreciated!

[JackBean]

the cells should be cut? I don't understand.
What has to happen to look anything dark on an electron microscope?

[Jonooo]

I simply copied the questions from the AQA textbook. Why would red blood cells bend when it has been sliced? Any ideas? :L

[JackBean]

once cut, then sliced, but it's copied from the book, isn't it?

[Jonooo]

Thank you very much for the assistance given prior to this message, however, as it appears you lack the knowledge to answer such question, I shall ask the teacher regarding such matter.

Should be meet again, I would ask for less sarcasm as I feel it is the lowest form of whit. However, this is probably going to be met with a reply of some nature, and therefore my request will not be considered.

Ta,

[JackBean]

I didn't say I know the answer for 1), that's why I tried to get something sensefull from you. However, I tried to help at least with the second part. But since you don't want any more answers from me.

[biohazard]

I assume the "cutting" of red blood cells means the situation where you fix a tissue sample and cut a section for electron microscopy staining. However, I do not know why they would bend, either. I can only speculate - perhaps the loss of surface tension or a feature of fixation substance. If you find out, let us know!

For the second part, I'd guess they look uniform because red blood cells are uniform, and dark because of the nature of electron microscopy staining. High density of heavy metal atoms bound to those areas, or something like that.