Red Blood Cells
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Red blood cells (or erythrocytes) are the major cellular component of the blood that transport oxygen to other areas of the body. Red blood cells, like all blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow. They contain the protein hemoglobin, that contains iron, allowing them to reversibly bind oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Mamalian lack a nucleus and the machinery for protein synthesis and, thus, contain no genetic material of their own. The lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days. Dead and dying RBCs are broken down and disposed of in the spleen and the liver where the released iron is conserved for reuse in the synthesis of new cells.