Final answer:
Mature red blood cells lack mitochondria, which prevents them from performing aerobic metabolism. They rely on glycolysis for energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mature red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, cannot perform aerobic metabolism because they lack certain organelles, including mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for carrying out aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen to generate ATP, the energy currency of cells. Without mitochondria, mature red blood cells are limited to anaerobic metabolism, specifically glycolysis, which generates a small amount of ATP from glucose.
If glycolysis were blocked in a red blood cell, the cell would not be able to produce enough ATP to meet its energy demands, and its functions would be impaired. Red blood cells rely on ATP to maintain their shape, flexibility, and ability to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, if glycolysis were blocked, the red blood cell would eventually die.
In summary, mature red blood cells cannot perform aerobic metabolism due to the absence of mitochondria. Their reliance on glycolysis for energy production makes them vulnerable to disruptions in this metabolic pathway, leading to cell death.