Chapter 1: Problem 23

Which of the following can change its shape? (i) Amoeba (ii) Neuron (iii) WBC (iv) \(\mathrm{RBC}\) (a) (i) only (b) (i) and (ii) (c) (i) and (iii) (d) (i), (ii), (iv)

Short Answer

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(a) Only (i) Amoeba (b) Only (iii) WBC (c) (i) Amoeba and (iii) WBC (d) (iv) RBC Answer: (c) (i) Amoeba and (iii) WBC

Step by step solution

Information on Amoeba

Amoeba is a single-celled organism that can change its shape and extend out pseudopodia (false feet) to move or capture food. They constantly change their shape and can adapt to their surroundings.

Information on Neuron

Neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that receive, process, and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. They have a distinct shape with branching extensions called dendrites and a long extension called an axon. While neurons can grow and adapt to a certain extent, they generally do not change their overall shape.

Information on WBC

White blood cells (WBC), also known as leukocytes, form part of the immune system and help the body fight infections. WBCs can change their shape to squeeze through small spaces like blood vessel walls or to engulf and eliminate harmful substances, such as bacteria and foreign material.

Information on RBC

Red blood cells (RBC), or erythrocytes, carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. RBCs have a unique biconcave shape that allows them to bend and deform while passing through small blood vessels. However, their shape changes are limited, and they generally maintain their biconcave disc shape.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on the information gathered, we can observe that amoeba (i) and white blood cells (iii) are able to change their shape. Neurons (ii) do not change their overall shape, and the shape changes in red blood cells (iv) are limited. Thus, the correct answer is (c) (i) and (iii).

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Which of the following can change its shape? (i) Amoeba (ii) Neuron (iii) WBC (iv) \(\mathrm{RBC}\) (a) (i) only (b) (i) and (ii) (c) (i) and (iii) (d) (i), (ii), (iv)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Information on Amoeba

Information on Neuron

Information on WBC

Information on RBC

Choosing the Correct Answer

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