Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activity 2 | Singing the praises of colony stimulating factors

Blood cells and their functions in the body

1. Write a short paragraph explaining the ways in which red and white blood cells differ in structure and function.

2. Use the following facts to calculate the number of blood cells in a human.

   There are approximately five million red blood cells in each cubic centimetre of blood.

   There are, on average, about 10,000 white blood cells in each cubic centimetre of blood.

   The total volume of blood in the body is about 5 litres.

   • Approximately how many red blood cells are there in the body?
   • Approximately how many white blood cells are there in the body?

3. Organ transplantation, including bone marrow, is becoming more common.
   • Explain what is likely to happen to a transplanted organ if the recipient is not given drugs to suppress the immune system.
   • Suggest possible side effects of taking drugs that suppress the immune system.

Teachers notes

Information about red and white blood cells can be found in the Teachers notes for Activity 1.